IT’S TODAY: Memorial Day, that is. “”To die in defense of your
country and for freedom is the greatest sacrifice that a serviceman
or woman can make to protect others. I encourage you to pause on
Memorial Day to realize the high price that has been paid by so
many so you can enjoy the blessings of living in the United
States.””[neWLine]

We turns today’s column over to Robert C. Eiler, Vietnam veteran
and state commander, Pennsylvania Department, Veterans of Foreign
Wars. Incidentally, Eiler will be speaking in Smethport later this
week during the visit of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving
Wall.[neWLine]

He continues:[neWLine]

“”Visit a local war memorial and realize that the engraved names
represent people who put their lives in danger for your sake. These
are people who left their families and futures behind to defeat
worldwide threats to your family and your future. Pause to reflect
about the impact of that sacrifice.[neWLine]

“”More than 2,600 of our bravest have given their lives in the
Middle East to limit the reach of terrorism worldwide. The cost of
freedom is high; veterans join families in mourning every time taps
is played. Remember the fallen, thank their families and support
those in harm’s way whether or not you agree with their
deployment.[neWLine]

“”I’ve spoken to soldiers who served recently in the Middle
East. Our military is making a tremendous difference there. By
building schools and hospitals, protecting a marketplace that
creates jobs, making food and water more available, and training
police and troops, our military is ushering in freedom in Iraq.
Life in Afghanistan has also been improved thanks to our
troops.[neWLine]

“”Like the grateful Europeans who were liberated from Adolf
Hitler’s crusade, Iraqis thank our troops for giving them life free
from the death grip of Saddam and his sons. With hope in their
eyes, Iraqi children shake the hands of our personnel. Hope may be
hard to capture in news stories, but our troops clearly see it
there and morale is high because of this.[neWLine]

“”On Memorial Day, join the VFW in honoring deceased veterans by
saluting today’s veterans and by supporting those who are defending
freedom today.[neWLine]

“”That’s a sacrifice we should all make.””