By The TimesLedger
We often hear about senior citizens living in “the golden years.” It is supposed to be a time of lessened responsibility, relaxation and happiness. At least that is the general idea. Many of us, even though we may not have any major complaints ourselves, feel the pain of others who may not be faring so well. So it was on Tuesday, April 30 at the Rosedale Civic Association meeting when I noticed a small group of Rosedale’s veterans sitting toward the front of the meeting hall.
They usually don’t gather together like that, so I suspected this might be a special occasion. I hoped they were there to tell Rosedale Civic Association President Frederick J. Kress that he and his volunteers had made them proud and happy by giving the two veterans memorials on Sunrise Highway and Francis Lewis Boulevard the tender-loving care they deserve and have been getting for a number of years. Unfortunately, that was not the case. They gave us the very sad news that they had voted not to have a Memorial Day Parade this year.
An audible groan swept through the audience. One senior woman called out, “That’s terrible. That has been a long tradition. Why break it now?”
One of the veterans explained that none of them felt well enough to walk, so they decided to limit the event to a noontime service at the memorials and then go to the American Legion Hall for another brief service to be followed by refreshments.
The audience responded, “Anyone with a car would be more than happy to give you a ride.” The veterans apparently had discussed that possibility and decided against it since, as they said, they didn’t feel enough people bothered to come out to watch the parade.
Kress said he felt it was sad, especially since some of the lack of support was probably because the area has a great number of people new to the traditions of our country. If there were enough people willing to reach out to teach them, they might be wholeheartedly supportive. Kress added that he hopes to have a Memorial Day Parade in Rosedale again some day, if not run by the veterans, then run by someone else who appreciates the sacrifices veterans have made for all of us in the service of our country.
As sad as that evening was, the next day I received in the mail an announcement from Commander T.J. Tharpe of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Colonel Edward O. Gourdin Post No. 5298 in Springfield Gardens. It was an invitation to participate in the planning of their Memorial Day 2002 Parade, and in the actual parade. That night Fritz Casimir of the Laurelton/Springfield Gardens Lions Club announced at a meeting of the Local Development Corporation of Laurelton/Rosedale Springfield Gardens that all of us there would be welcome to participate. They not only are willing and able to march, but are looking to expand every year. More power to them!
We certainly are happy that they have not given up and still are trying to inspire others to be caring citizens and prospective citizens. There are many youngsters who, like some older “kids” (yours truly included), love marching to the beat of parade music and love seeing Old Glory held high, showing off its beauty with the help of every breeze. Patriotism may be dead as far as some are concerned, but not here. Back in March I wrote about the spectacular Awards Program this V.F.W. Post gave to two young ladies, Rebecca Mader (a member of Rosedale Civic Association), and Toni Ochoa, for writing about “America’s Future” in their Voice of Democracy Program. That V.F.W. Post works on many community efforts and, especially, programs for youth. Let’s all clap for them and hope that other organizations may some day follow their very good example.
If you appreciate the sacrifices our country’s military forces have made for us, giving up their lives so that we may live in freedom, please come out and share this event. The Laurelton/Springfield Gardens Parade is scheduled to step off at 10 a.m. at Merrick and Francis Lewis boulevards. Bring an American flag and hold it high.
