By Tony Salimbene
Around The County
May 24, Unionport Post 1065 Memorial Day Service and Barbecue, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 25, Blood Drive at St. Frances de Chantal.
May 25, Memorial Day Services at Silver Beach in the morning; Edgewater Park at 11:30 a.m. and Co-op City at 1 p.m.
May 26, Memorial Day Services start at Korony Post at 9 a.m.; Veterans Memorial Park; TN Post at noon and City Island Parade at 2 p.m.
I’m going to bet that mentioned in just about every speech this Memorial Day will be the phrases “not just a day off,” or “not just a day for a barbecue.” This is very true, but I doubt the sincerity (unless you know the speaker personally) and I think that these phrases are covered in some sort of public official training course, like a political boot camp: “What do we say every Memorial Day, people?” or “Not just a day off from work, sir!”
I seriously hope we can continue lobbying (that’s fighting) for promised entitlements, a big difference from benefits as Joe Mazz reminds us; denial of Groups 7 and 8 VA access, specialized treatment for female vets, and an intensified focus on the unemployed, homeless and brain injured who sadly will be the legacy of this current type of conflict. So, it’s time for regular folks like us to act. Hold the government accountable, be informed, join a veterans organization today, fly your flag, and above all, vote!
Until Next Time
“The debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.”
– Truman
