A Time for Remembering

On Monday May 25, 2009 at 1200 hours, Veterans, families and community members gathered together in the Allyn Waterfront Park for a Memorial Day Observance. This event has been a North Mason Tradition for the past 10 years. The event was presented by the Allyn Community Association, North Mason Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Allyn.

Our close nit community's Observance of Memorial day is very special. There is a part within the program where attending Veterans are given a moment to speak about their service, share a war tale or two and to remember and give thanks for those whose gave the ultimate sacrifice.

This year we paid special tribute to those "Greatest Generation" Veterans who served during World War II and Korea. We also recognized the spouses and families who kept the home fires burning and made sacrifices for the nation during that time. We even heard from a "Rosie the Riveter" who shared a few stories.

Each time I host this portion of the program, I am humbled and awed by the number of Veterans who turn out. The living history these veterans offer is extraordinary. All branches of the Services are represented. All the Veterans share a unique bond of Brotherhood.

In fact, many of the Veterans have expressed that, although this is one of the toughest Veteran Events for them to attend, it is also the most Healing.

I, too, am a Veteran. I served in Vietnam with the 25^th Infantry Division - March 68 to March 69. Memorial Day is very special to me. It is a time of Remembering. I will not let people forget the sacrifice of the fallen.

Freedom isn't Free! Those who fight for Freedom do so in belief of it!