Memorial Day means a lot
REMEMBER WHEN
Everyone loves to see spring and all that goes with it including picnics, fresh mown grass aromas, the song birds singing and of course no snow and warm days and nights.
We usually only think of Memorial Day when we think of a day off and a family picnic and the parade. The last few years the parades have gotten smaller and have less veterans and military than they used to. You will see the fire trucks and police cars, the ambulances and the Scout troops.
I think if I could take a poll of the people in The County we would realize that over half have had a relative or friend who is a veteran and likely the same number would say they lost a loved one or friend in the line of duty.
I know that for me, Memorial Day means a lot as I, my natural dad, my adopted dad, my natural uncle and an adopted uncle and my natural brother are all veterans but my adopted uncle went down with his B-17 over Germany. He was the tail gunner. Even though he was gone before I ever met him, I am his namesake. The loss is profound.
I received an email not long ago that had a picture of an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair, wearing the blouse of a Marine Gunnery Sargent. In the background was a color guard with the American flag and the flags of all the services. I know it was painful for that old “Gunny” to stand but stand he did and rendered the proper salute to the nation’s colors. I will tell you this, that man showed the world what a true soldier is. I still get a huge lump in my throat when I see the flag and all it means to me.
Can I ask a favor of all of you this Memorial Day? Please, if you know someone who is a veteran who served in combat, or if you know of someone close to your family who lost a loved one in combat, take a minute and thank that veteran for his service and shake his hand, it will not only make you feel like a million bucks it will make them feel appreciated. Don’t be afraid to give that one who lost a loved one a big hug and thank them for their sacrifice so that we can enjoy picnics, parades and days off.
In the Navy we had a phrase for a job well done. That phrase was “Bravo Zulu!”. So, from me, and the staff of the Star-Herald, we would like to say “Bravo Zulu” to the veterans and a huge thank you to the families of the ones who are with us in spirit. Your sacrifice was not for nothing! Happy Memorial Day!
Guy Woodworth of Presque Isle is a 1973 graduate of Presque Isle High School and a four-year Navy veteran. He and his wife Theresa have two grown sons and five grandchildren. He may be contacted at lightning117_1999@yahoo.com.
