Memorial Day is a day to set aside our personal feelings about
the current war in Iraq and focus on our troops.
Memorial Day is a day to set aside our personal feelings about the current war in Iraq and focus on our troops.
The Free Lance has told the poignant stories of some of the local men and women who have sacrificed much to serve their country.
Hollister resident Dionicio Arevalo Jr. was shipped to Iraq while his wife was pregnant. Dionicio III was born while his father served his country in the Middle East. Father and son were united at the Oakland Airport and a heart-warming photo of the meeting captured media attention throughout the Bay Area.
Brenda Godoy of Hollister extended her tour of duty in the deadly Sunni Triangle so she could stay with her newly-wed husband Eddie Gonzalez.
Those Hollisterites were warmly welcomed when they got home. Veterans of other wars have sadder tales to tell about their homecomings.
Lee Roy Pipkin, a Vietnam vet from Gilroy, returned home to Travis Air Force Base and was greeted by protesters beating on the outside of the Red Cross van. “That was my welcome,” he said. Pipkin, an Army ranger, was permanently handicapped when he stepped on a mine during his second tour in Vietnam. Wayne Cegelske, commander of VFW Post 6309, was spit at after he returned to United States soil.
There is no excuse for that disrespect. And it should never be repeated. We can disagree with foreign policy and we can protest demonstrably, but we cannot disrespect those who fight to protect and preserve the freedoms we enjoy.
All of the young men and women in today’s military are volunteers. They made the conscious decision to serve their country – many of them after Sept. 11, knowing they could be sent to war. That’s what makes this era so special.
They exemplify what it means to be a good soldier. It’s soldiers like these who prove that the sins of a few misguided prison guards should not taint the good deeds of the many. We realize that and feel it in our heart.
We also turn those feelings into action so the troops know people back home care. A group of Hollister moms have rallied together to raise money to buy care packages for their sons and other soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. We’re sure there are more good deeds like that that have not been publicized.
On Memorial Day Monday, we will once again be reminded that the defense of freedom comes at a price. Nearly 800 U.S. soldiers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan; 58,000 died in Vietnam. If you see a soldier in uniform walking down the street, stop them and share your gratitude and heartfelt thanks. It makes them feel good to know their contributions are appreciated.
On Saturday at 11 a.m., the local branch of the American Legion is hosting a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Building to coincide with the dedication of the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. Names of World War II veterans will be read and wreaths will be laid in honor of those killed in action.
We can observe Memorial Day by joining local veterans in visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of fallen heroes and we can fly the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon.
Memorial Day is a day to remember our brave soldiers and to enjoy ourselves as free Americans. That’s exactly how those who made the ultimate sacrifice would want it.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to [email protected]
