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General News: Memorial Day 2017

Memorial Day 2017. Photo by Hannah Comity. 2.
Memorial Day 2017. Photo by Hannah Comity. 3.
Memorial Day 2017. Photo by Hannah Comity. 4.
Memorial Day 2017. Photo by Hannah Comitz.
Memorial Day 2017. Photo by Hannah Comitz.
June 01, 2017

Memorial Day 2017
by Hanna Comitz

On Monday, it appeared like the sky was crying, fitting the somber mood of that morning. Reverend Stephen Racite, a member of the Cornwall Highland Engine Company and the Pastor at the Cornwall Baptist Church, spoke about how "the rain reminds us of tears shed" over loved ones that have been lost. This interpretation of the weather made Memorial Day even more touching for our community. Although Memorial Day appeared gloomy, the rain did not stop this community from remembering those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Many were soaked head-to-toe, but the rain was incomparable to the struggles of those who have lost loved ones during the fight for freedom. Memorial Day is not only a day to remember those who have given the supreme sacrifice, but also a time to cherish those soldiers who are still fighting in the face of death today.

Some of the Veterans and attendees of the service answered a simple but significant question:

What does Memorial Day mean to you?

Robert Rosenberger, age 79, stated that Memorial Day is "a time to stop and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service of our country, so we can maintain our freedom. It is also important to remember those serving now, especially during this troubled time in the Middle East. We must always remember that freedom isn't free and by God's blessing it remains free." Mr. Rosenberger's connection to current events shows that Memorial day is needed to remind us that men and women are dying for our freedom, even to this day.

Bill Pearson, a Vietnam Veteran, explained that Memorial Day means a great deal to him because society did not originally "celebrate the Vietnam Veterans", and it pleases him "that it has come back now." It is nearly impossible to imagine that heroes such as Mr. Pearson were not honored for their bravery.

In today's society, it is important to teach that freedom comes at a cost. People of all ages have their personal interpretation on what this day means. A young girl named Rebekah Racite, who is 12 years old, had a very wise response. She answered that Memorial Day is a "time to honor our Veterans and the people who died for our freedom so we can live free today." Memorial Day is important in order to teach about the bravery that was and currently still is involved in maintaining our freedom.

A memorable quote from that Monday morning's service was from Master Sergeant Bailey of the New York Military Academy. He inspired and touched many by saying that it is imperative to "remember those who cannot stand with us and who we can not hear with our ears, but with our spirits and hearts."

In a time where there are many distractions, it is critical to have a day like Memorial Day for our country to pause and put into perspective how fortunate we are to have our freedom.

Thank you to all who participated along with those who endured through the rain to attend and support the community.



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