Enjoying Your Freedom? Thank a Veteran!
by Cate Murway
The nation that forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”
[John] Calvin Coolidge, Jr., the only U.S. President to be born on the fourth of July
The Bristol Borough Annual Veterans Day Ceremony honoring all who served will be held Friday, November 11th, 11:00AM at the Harriman Veterans Monument, a fitting tribute of names etched in stone, at the intersection of Pond and Fillmore Streets and Farragut Avenue, the most visible area in the town.
Join the members of the Robert W. Bracken American Legion Post #382, formed September 28, 1919, as they honor the military veterans of the US Armed Forces.
This date coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day, commemorating the cessation of all major hostilities of WW I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice, and Remembrance Day which are both celebrated in other countries marking the anniversary of the end of WWI.
On November 11, 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to his countrymen on the first Armistice Day.
The US Congress adopted a resolution on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue annual proclamations calling for the observance of November 11 with appropriate ceremonies.
Meeting the continuing needs of our veterans should be the concern of every American who values his or her freedom.
If you are currently on active duty, honorably serving the United States, anywhere in the world, or have served honorably during any of the eligible war eras, you are invited to become a member of The American Legion.
Disabled veteran E5 Sgt. Nicholas James Lalli, BHS ’61, the Post Commander, will conduct the service, and adjuvant Arthur John Younglove who is determined to “keep in the public eye what veterans have done defending our freedoms” will be the MC.
Art has always “loved history” and he is determined to preserve the irreplaceable with hope, faith, and a resolute focus.
Chaplain Al Mancuso, with his warmth and wisdom, will provide the powerful and uplifting invocation and benediction, thanking all the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen/women who paid most dearly for our freedom.
There will also be a Flag service and taps, our National Song of Remembrance, by a bugler. As with most military traditions, there will be a time to pause and remember those who have gone before. With that in mind, it is appropriate to take time during a Veterans Day ceremony to remember those who have died and also honor those still with us with the sounding of Taps.
Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans DV3, the Hugh B. Eastburn III Detachment Marine Corps League and the VFW Post 5542 Terchon Post will also be in attendance.
Silent heroes live among us. We are safe because our veterans were strong enough to put their very lives in jeopardy. We thank these almost invisible heroes for what have remained oftentimes their virtually unspoken valiant feats, true dramatic adventure stories and harrowing dangers. The riveting accounts of their sacrifice and dedication are far more meaningful than any contrived fiction. Movies have nothing on reality.
As often stated, “The price of Freedom is Never Free”.
Our Nation cries out for heroes and role models of strength, character, and inspiration but the passing of time and fading memories obscure those very heroes we need so badly, from our consciousness.
THANK YOU……………..
We’ve Thanked You Less than You’ve Deserved.
American Legion
Robert W. Bracken Post, NO 382
P.O. Box 2185
Bristol Borough, PA 19007
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picture credit Debbie Lebo
Robert W. Bracken
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