A couple of days ago, November 11th to be exact, the City of Lawrence rendered tribute to our veterans. The South Lawrence East School Auditorium where the event was held was partially empty. If you look at the picture enclosed, you will see what we are talking about. Not even 100 heads.
If you consider that sitting at what makes the audience were 6 members of the Guilmette School; 9 JROTC Steppers, 9 members of the LHS Girls Ensemble, 4 JROTC Color Guards, 3 Representatives (actually one sent his aide in his representation), 2 City Councilors (and they are 9) and 2 newly elected City Councilors, that makes 38 plus a dozen Veterans. Where was the audience? Where were we?
Since this is a city of immigrants, this is for all of us; immigrants in general, citizens of this great city. Where were you on November 11th between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. It was Wednesday, a Holiday on the calendar, so the majority were not at work.
Many of our immigrants, once they arrive to this country, they seem to forget the reason why they are here. Many don’t remember that we all left our countries for many different reasons but mainly for the freedoms we enjoy here.
Preacher John Hagee once said in a sermon: “It’s the soldier not the reporter who gives you the freedom of the press. It’s the soldier not the poet who gives you the freedom of speech. It’s the soldier not the campus organizer who allows you to demonstrate. It’s the soldier who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag that allows the protester to burn the flag!!!”
On November 11th we paid tribute to the soldiers that have returned. We call them Veterans! They are the men and women who sacrifice their youth and family to keep this country that we all love, free. The freedom that once we all came looking for.
Whatever our religion, at least, once a week we go to the temple to thank the Creator; once a year is not too much to ask to give thanks to those who give us our freedom!
