This Memorial Day because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no Memorial Day parades which I find sad.
I have served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and am 70 years old and am a member of the American Legion Post # 103, Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus in Douglaston and the Queens Village Republican Club and have opinions on the importance of this day where we honor our brave men and women who gave their lives so this nation can remain free.
Let us also salute our brave men and women who are now serving today to protect these freedoms as they serve in Afghanistan, in Iraq and elsewhere in the world.
What also comes to mind is the war on terrorism which has changed our country since the attacks upon us on Sept. 11. It is something that must be rooted out.
As Memorial Day draws near, I find myself thinking what it means to be an American. The answer is the pride in being in a country that allows us our personal freedom and the ability to speak our minds.
We may not have the best system but it is still the greatest in the world. This freedom does not come without a price.
It comes with great personal sacrifice and devotion to duty. Like President John F. Kennedy said,” Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” After this pandemic is over, remember we have a great opportunity to do for others, which we can do by volunteering our time to various organizations and our local churches or temples.
Now wherever there is a need and after this pandemic there will be plenty of people with needs. By doing this we can make America stronger.
Remember, we are the people our fore-fathers spoke of, we the people, and as such we need to get involved. This Memorial Day since there will not be parades or patriotic activities but we still can say a prayer for all those serving our country today and that is our brave men and women in the military.
We also should offer prayers for all those serving and protecting us in our communities like our doctors, nurses, EMS, firefighters, and those in our police departments.
So be all you can be by serving in our communities. Remember this also: Let’s not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day and fly the American Flag if you can on that day.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Mineola
