By Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Memorial Day is fast approaching and I hope the masses will not forget the importance of this day. Memorial Day, in my book, is not just another day off to shop for sales or backyard barbecuing.
In my opinion, Memorial Day is a time to remember all those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. This Memorial Day, I find myself thinking what it means to be an American.
The answer is crystal clear, and that is the pride to live in a country that allows us the personal freedom to speak our minds. These freedoms come with great personal sacrifice for those who leave family, friends and jobs to serve the greater good.
I myself served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. Although I never saw combat, I had friends who did and who died serving our country. So, please honor Memorial Day and honor those who gave their lives for all those things we hold most dear, which is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence.
You can do this by attending parades in your local communities and saluting those who serve us so well. Let’s not forget all those who serve on the homefront, like policemen, firefighters and EMS workers who serve us so well.
You can also call a veteran and tell them “thank you” for serving and keeping us free from tyranny. You can also fly the American flag from home, office and business to show respect and honor for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for God and country.
Remember this too: Our flag is red, white and blue, and these colors don’t run.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
