Before I get to my Memorial Day thoughts, I have a quick business item to cover.
Recently, I’ve been asked where the Webb Weekly is moving to. See, we are currently going through some sprucing up and looking for a new tenant for the office next door to our Kane Street location.
Folks, I guarantee you we’re going nowhere; I often joke I grew up at the top of Kane Street and worked my way down.
I do need a new neighbor to share the corner with. Southside is a great place to be. We make a quiet neighbor. If you’re interested, please get in touch with Scott Yeagle at 570-220-3298. He takes care of the business and the things for me and my partner.
As you are taking full advantage of your freedom to do whatever you want to do on hopefully a beautiful, sun-drenched Memorial Day, please take the time to remember, honor, and educate your children about those who paid the ultimate price for our liberty. That everyday life in the United States of America was earned and continues to be provided by the American soldier. That these true American heroes tragically don’t always make it home to enjoy the freedom they’ve earned.
We must remember and share our history with all living in our Nation, so the true sacrifice made for everyday life in America is understood. I want to share with you some presidential quotes and thoughts in reference to Memorial Day.
I will begin with our 40th President, Ronald Reagan. “In our observances this Memorial Day, we honor the brave Americans who paid the highest price for their commitment to the ideals of peace, freedom, and justice. Our debt to them can be paid only by our own recommitment to preserving those same ideals.” If that doesn’t put Memorial Day and our responsibility of remembrance in perspective, I don’t know what does.
I will follow this with more words from President Reagan: “I don’t have to tell you how fragile the precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in the world.” These very timely words fit not only the Reagan Era but also the current times we are living in.
Our 35th president, John F. Kennedy, in his inaugural address, wanted the world to know the importance of the United States military and our Nation’s commitment to protecting our great land “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe in order to assure the survival and success of liberty.”
The United States of America has been at war for 230 of the 248 years since its founding in 1776. Our 3rd president, Thomas Jefferson, understood what was required to declare and earn our independence and what the future would hold to protect our One Nation Under God. “Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.” I wish I could see a time in our Nation’s future when we would not be at war.
It is always remarkable to me the foresight our founding fathers had. I feel our first president, George Washington’s, words “Guard against the impostors of pretended Patriotism” are a perfect follow-up to the words of President Jefferson. Obviously, they were spoken before him at Washington’s farewell address.
Many of the challenges facing our Nation’s leadership have existed since the beginning. The men and women of the United States military have always been those fighting in the name of good to protect freedom at home and abroad. It is most important that our leaders understand our Nation was founded in the name of God and must continue to fight in the name of good.
We are so very blessed within our local communities to have great folks who make sure we honor those who have been lost and celebrate their remembrance on Memorial Day. Please, if possible, take the time to attend. Many of the scheduled events can be found in the pages ahead.
Again, I’m gonna run out of column space before I run out of words this week. As we unofficially kick off Summer with our Memorial Day issue featuring Summer Fun, many great things are going on across the West Branch Valley.
Please get out and about and enjoy your summer safely. Especially watch out for those who are making our roads and highways better. And remember, schools will be letting out, so drive with extra caution.
God Bless America.
