Remember the soldiers who come home too

This Memorial Day, while honoring the soldiers who have given their lives for our county, let’s also take a moment and thank those who do return.

As part of the Vietnam War generation, I am ashamed to say I saw classmates and friends who are forgotten heros; sent halfway around the world to fight an unpopular war and returned to Florida with little or no recognition.

Local businessman Dan Holiday, a U. S. Navy veteran, points to the fact that our city can do a better job of celebrating the men and women who have served. “It’s Memorial Day,” Holiday said, pointing in the direction of Anderson Circle. “Why is the United States flag missing from the city’s flagpole in front of the American Legion?”

Being a good citizen, I personally want to offer our soldiers my gratitude and to be certain that they are given the opportunity to have full and productive lives now that they’re home.

“Our troops make sacrifices that most of us can hardly imagine,” said U. S. Air Force veteran Randy Brunson, who is a currently a candidate for St. Johns County commissioner. “They leave behind their friends and family and put their lives on the line for us every day.”

On Monday morning at 10:00 a.m., there will be a Memorial Day commemoration service held at Saint Augustine National Cemetery on Marine Street. I hope all Historic City News readers will attend.

This year, Rear Admiral Barry L. Bruner who is commander of Submarine Group 10 at the Naval Submarine Base located in Kings Bay, will be the guest speaker.

Sergeant Major Ray Quinn, who retired from the Florida National Guard with 30 years of service and currently serves as St. Johns County Commissioner for District 3, pointed out this morning that he was disappointed that he has seen hardly any word of the annual Memorial Day salute being coordinated by the Ancient City Chapter of Military Officers Association of America, the Florida Department of Military Affairs, Florida Army and Air National Guard and the St. Johns County Veterans Organizations.

Representatives of some 25 military and service organizations are expected to be represented Monday, including the Allen D. Nease High School Naval Junior ROTC Color Guard.

All graves will be decorated immediately before Memorial Day with small United States flags, which will be removed on the first workday after Memorial Day, in accordance with cemetery policies. Flags are not permitted on graves at any other time.

Saint Augustine himself said, “The purpose of all war is ultimately peace.” Let’s hope he was right.