From a Veteran : Pride in the U.S.A.. Ramblings from a Vet.

[Mark Crnolatas]

I went to L.H.S., it seemed like a few weeks ago. Since '68, it's apparent it was a
little longer. I was in the U.S. Air Force after that. Enough of that.
Have you noticed over the last few years, that in some areas of Lakewood, fewer American flags are flown on the weekend of Veteran's Day? On T.V., there seems to be fewer movies depicting the American military personnel of WWII, Korea, 'Nam, etc.?

I'm not saying we need to inundate the ...wait! Yes. We should be promoting our love for our country with that '50's intensity. You know, before the protests and the haters of the day? The famous bumper sticker, "American, Love it or Leave it" still has a ring to it.

With all the horrible things going on. on "Spaceship Earth", a tiny point in the vastness of infinite space, this is still the place I want to live in. Politics aside, I see the "I don't care" generation doing their part in not caring. We should be countering that with at the very least, flying an American flag through and including Veteran's Day.

....and Vets, do you remember this is the only day you can wear your FULL uniform including collar brass? Possibly it's my age, but how about it? Even a small plastic flag in the front of your house or in your window beats nothing. And....it just might show others that while the only thing that doesn't change is everything changes, we can still be thankful, and for many of us, prayerful that we are living in the greatest country in the world.
HAAAAAAND SALUTE!!

[Gary Rice]

Mark's posting here reminds me that there are several veterans activities this upcoming week that I like to take my WWII vet father to each year, whenever he's up to it.

As was noted in the Lakewood Observer, Monday is the veterans breakfast and recognition at Harding School, beginning around 7:30. Vets enjoy interacting with the students over breakfast, followed by a program in the gym, after which, veterans are invited to talk with the classes, if they feel like doing so.

Tuesday, Veterans Day, there is a fine veterans program at Lakewood Park at 11 a.m. with a social time following in the Womens Pavillion.

Lakewood, both City and Schools, honors veterans. If you are a veteran and have not attended these wonderful events, perhaps this year would be a good time to start doing so. Though not a veteran myself, I've been to enough of them to know that you will be greeted with the words- "Welcome home, and thank you for your service"

Back to the banjo...