On Memorial Day here in Presque Isle, everyone, from the youngest to the oldest loved the parade down Main Street. I remember when the National Guard Battery marched in their battle dress uniforms and carried their weapons, their boots all shined as well as the brass on their clothing and weapons.
The huge cannon was towed behind an Army truck and of course let’s not forget the color and honor guards.
Then came the marching bands from the local schools and the different school societies such as the National Honor Society and the FFA, just to name a couple.
Then the sobering cars carrying the Gold Star Mothers, Moms who had lost a son to battle. In later years we would see the Vietnam veterans marching and of course the POW/MIA flag to make sure the comrades who didn’t come home were not forgotten.
Then the beauty queens and the horses and different business and church floats.
It almost seems to me as if the Memorial Day celebrations have gone by the wayside as parades are getting much smaller and taking less and less time to view. Having said all that, I would like to challenge you all, young and old alike, to look at the cemetery south of town and actually see the white memorial stones with the flags by them and know that perhaps someone who lies there for eternity may have given all they had, their life, so that we could enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today.
D-Day and Pearl Harbor and Khe Sanh and Iraq are not just in the history books but are a very real part of our heritage. Moms and Dads, Sisters and Brothers if you lost a loved one be sure and know that your city, state and country are very thankful for your sacrifice.
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.
