Holiday impressions linger
To the editor:
At 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, automobile and pedestrian traffic came to a halt. A 21-gun salute was heard in the distance. This moment of silence commemorated the end of World War I, “the war to end all wars,” and to honor the veterans who served that I might be free.
The impression this ceremony made on me as a child has been a lasting one and reminds me that freedom never came without a very high price. I have seen too many wars in my lifetime. Thousands have died that I can be free to write about freedom without cringing in fear or listening to gun blasts outside my window. The continuation of the right to be free is fought every single day in some part of the world.
Freedom is precious. It implies patriotism, duty and honor. The laissez faire attitude shown by some toward patriotism is an enigma to me. I see the flag and my heart swells with pride. I am reminded of the sacrifices that have been made so that our flag may still be flown in my country, ensuring my freedom.
I appreciate all that has been done in the past; all that is being done in the present; and all that I am sure will have to be done in the future to keep me free. Although it is a cliche, “I am free to be me.” I pray that my grandchildren and great grandchildren will understand that they, too, may be called upon to make sacrifices in order to live free.
Betty Nearing
Cape Coral