By Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
I was at a Memorial Day breakfast which was sponsored by the Memorial Day parade committee, and took place at Father Smith Hall in St. Anastasia Parish in Douglaston, on May 25. There were many religious, political, veteran, military, fire departments, police and civic groups in attendance including my organization, St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911, where I serve proudly as Grand Knight. All these groups were there in preparation for marching in the parade.
I had the opportunity to speak to a number of organizations and the chief complaint was that they find a decline in membership. It seems that if we want to make our country and community better, we need to get involved. Like President John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” Well, that was true when he said it in the ’60s and is so true today.
We have a great opportunity to help our neighbors and our community. This can be accomplished by volunteering for our local churches, temples, faith-based organizations and civic organizations that serve the greater good. Remember this: We are the “we the people” spoken of in the Constitution, and we need to get involved to truly make our communities a better place to live and work. There are many organizations in our local communities and they can be found on the Internet or in our local and regional newspapers. So in closing be all you can be and serve your community. You will be proud that you did, because I know I am.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
