By Frederick R. Bedell
As grand knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus council #5911, I had the proud experience to attend a Memorial Day flag raising at the Divine Wisdom School yard in Douglaston. There were many there from various military services like the Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and the Army.
After the ceremony, we went to Father Smith Hall, which is part of St. Anastasia Parish. There, the Little Neck/ Douglaston parade committee offered what was called a Veteran breakfast. I had the opportunity to talk to a few in the military who told me that volunteering to join the military was the greatest thing they could do to guard and protect our great nation.
Now, meanwhile, there are many religious, civic and community groups who find it hard to attract new members who are willing to volunteer and to serve the greatest good and help those in need. And yet these young men and women — who come from various parts of the country and who come from different religious, cultural and racial backgrounds, who put their lives on the line, and whose desire is to make America a better place — put many of us to shame.
Many people only give excuses why they can’t volunteer to help to make our community a better place and at the same time help those in the most need.
So, please volunteer your time to those various political, religious, civic and community groups that serve and help those in the most need.
For doing so let me say, “Thank you.”
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
