Letter: Local clergy is missed
To the Editor:
Memorial Day is a day to pay tribute to all veterans who gave their lives in combat for the freedoms we enjoy today.
As people drove up the Avenue of American flags (at Marion Cemetery) and saw the many small flags waving at each veteran's grave, the floral tributes on the many other graves faded into the background. The honor guard, standing tall and proud, fired volleys that reverberated through the cemetery in honor of their fellow service men and women who gave the supreme sacrifice.
The welcome given by the VFW ladies' auxiliary was heartfelt and appreciated. The prayer of thanks and blessing for the veterans was given by yet another lady from the local auxiliary.
The message given by Ed Costello, a WWII veteran, was informative, heartwarming, and a "reality check" for all who were there as to the hardships, terror, and sacrifice of the WWII veterans and veterans of all wars. As the echo of "Taps" was heard, the gathering stood in silence — each in their own thoughts of how much we owe to the men and women in uniform for all the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.
One day a year we, as American citizens and residents of Marion, pay tribute to those great fallen "warriors." The only thing that could have made this service more appropriate, would have been the attendance and participation of the local clergy. If it weren't for the meaning of this special day, the freedoms to do "other" activities and worship in our many wonderful churches would not be ours to enjoy.
Thank you to all veterans and their families, and God Bless America.
Dick and Margie Schwartz
Marion
