This weekend marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season. Usually we are barbequing and gathering with family and friends. Usually we are gardening, going to yard sales, visiting casinos, waterparks, and attending community events and activities.
But – this year is different.
The past few months have been horrific for all of us. And, none of us know what the days ahead will be like. We can only pray and hope for the best for all of us.
I took some time off from penning this column during the past several months because all our attention has been on COVID19. It is time that ends, and there is no better time to jumpstart that than during Memorial Day Weekend.
Many tend to forget that Memorial Day is a time for remembrance of those who have died in our nation’s service. With all the military operations currently ongoing throughout the world, please take a moment to remember those who were killed in defending the freedom we often take for granted.
Unfortunately, traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years and this year with COVID19 it will be even worse. To help re-educate and remind us of the true meaning of the day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed by Congress in December 2000.
The resolution asks that at 3 PM on Monday, we “voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence”
In Sullivan County many noteworthy events will take place to salute those who have lost their lives in the line of combat. But, like everything else – This year is different.
Sullivan County Memorial Day 2020
The impacts of coronavirus will greatly limit – but not totally eliminate – Memorial Day services in Sullivan County.
In order to comply with the Governor’s order that no more than 10 people may gather for an event, the County’s official Memorial Day observance at the Veterans Cemetery in Liberty will not be open to the public. Instead, it will be broadcast live on the County’s Facebook page at 1 p.m. Monday and audio-recorded for later playback on WJFF’s “Let’s Talk Vets” program with host Doug Sandberg.
Due to the ongoing closure of the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello, the Bailey-Richmond VFW Post 9588 and the Ruddick-Trowbridge American Legion Post 73 will be conducting a small service at the memorial outside the Government Center (on North Street) on Memorial Day with a limited color guard.
The Sgt. Andrew Brucher VFW Post 5499 will conduct a similar Honor Service with a small Honor Guard at the Veterans Park in Kauneonga Lake that day.
It saddens the posts to insist that, in keeping with social distancing guidelines, the public not attend.
Purchasing a Red Poppy from a Veterans organization during Memorial Day weekend has become a tradition.
The Poppy as many are unaware, became associated with war after the publication of a poem written by Col. John McCrae of Canada. The poem, “In Flander’s Field,” describes blowing red fields among the battleground of the fallen.
In Flanders Fields
John McCrae, 1915.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
For more than 75 years, the Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of the welfare and the wellbeing of the dependents of our fallen heroes.
God Bless the souls of those who have lost their lives for us.
Please Wear a Mask and Social Distance!
Stay Safe!
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself of National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in the Sullivan County Post
Loveyour articles. Hope you are well and wishing the end of the Covid19