Today, we present the second part of our weeklong tribute to the men and women that proudly serve this country. This Memorial Day reflection comes to us from Representative David Vieira:I first learned about Memorial Day as a cub scout in East Falmouth by participating in the annual ceremony on the library lawn. Falmouth’s Veterans Memorial Lane and WWII Memorial are proudly placed between the library and Main Street as a constant reminder of the great sacrifices our veterans have made in the pursuit and defense of liberty.
Rain or shine, hot or cold, we gather around Veterans Memorial Lane each Memorial Day to step back from the hustle and bustle of life in our historic resort community to pay homage to those that made the ultimate sacrifice. The morning is a display of those traditions that have made our country great: service, sacrifice, reverence, and patriotism. Active military honor guards, honor guards of veteran’s organizations and public safety departments, Boy & Girl Scouts in uniform, and school bands gather to ensure we shall never forget those who have marched before us. Family members of fallen veterans are reminded the respect and honor due their loved ones from our citizens.
This Memorial Day I will be humbled to hear of the sacrifices of our veterans and their families; sacrifices that make our democracy possible and our nation a beacon of hope throughout the world. As a newly elected state representative I will not forget that the honor of my office would not be possible without the volunteerism and service of our citizen soldiers, the men and women of our Armed Forces.
So as we remember those who have gone before us, let us also pray that those currently serving will return to a grateful nation in short order.
Pro Deo et Patria.
