Editorial: February 14th, a day to remember

Valentine’s Day, according to Wikipedia is a festival of Christian origin that is celebrated annually on February 14 as a commemoration of the good works performed by Saint Valentine of Rome, which are related to the Universal concept of love and friendship.

This past February 14 was very special. For many, since the day before, their thoughts were busy making reservations in restaurants, buying flowers and/or perfumes, a tie or a shirt to give his/hers most beloved one, in other words, the things that are traditionally done the day of February 14th.

It so happened that on that day also took place the burial of James McCue, a native of Lawrence and veteran of WW II, who miraculously was unharmed after participating in the bloodiest battles fought in European territory against the Nazi empire.

The news that McCue did not have any relatives that could be by his side caused dismay. When the news was spread over social media, the response was immediate. Hundreds of citizens as well as veterans and active members of different security bodies, united in brotherhood rushed to be with him and show the world that he was not alone.

Already in the Bellevue Cemetery where the funeral took place, two things caught our attention: The red heart with the message of Happy Valentine’s Day, floating happily in the breeze, in a corner of the green tent that covered Doris Sevigne.

Perhaps it looks magical, but the message is clear. The burial of James and the delivery to Doris of the flag that covered his coffin is nothing but a sublime manifestation of love and friendship.