Remember, Reflect, Respect

Speech from the Keynote Speaker:

Thank you, Commander Apol. My fellow veterans, our families and friends, welcome to the almost 100th year anniversary of Memorial Day here in Lake Worth. Thanks to the clergy for their prayers and to the Honor Guard detail.

Look around and see the great job done by our Boy Scouts from Troop 204 in placing the flags and crosses for our honored dead and let us further give thanks to those who made today’s celebration possible: The city’s workers for their assistance, our American Legion Post 47, and the true driving force, the Ladies Auxiliary.Without them, there would be no celebration like we have here today.

Take a moment to recall why we are here and keep in mind three special R’s for this Memorial Day. They are REMEMBER, REFLECT RESPECT.

Note the flag flying at half mast. By custom and tradition, it will fly this way until noon to recognize the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, and at noon, it will be raised to full staff to celebrate their accomplishments in war and in peace.

What greater honor can we bestow on these men and women than to recall some words in our Pledge of Allegiance… where we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United State of America…. Old Glory’s 50 stars and 13 stripes today evolved from the original 13 stars and stripes on the first national flag.

When our honored dead served and fought under the colors, no matter what design, there was no thought given to any hyphenated Americans, they served one nation, under God. Indivisible – meaning you cannot break it down further. Our brothers and sisters resting here are now one with their maker.So why today do some insist on separating us by ethnic backgrounds, religious ideals, or life styles? We are Americans all!

Indivisible! With liberty and justice for all – the beauty or our great nation is that we are constantly working to better ourselves.Sure it’s true that discrimination existed – and still does – but we have the finest nation on the face of the earth.Made so in no small part by those who lie here.

REMEMBER, REFLECT, RESPECT

Remember their sacrifices. Whether they enlisted or were drafted, they answered the call and served to the utmost of their ability.

Reflect on what they accomplished – who they did it for, why, and against what odds.

Respect them for that service.

To the politicians present, greetings, and I ask you too to remember, reflect, and respect, not by lip service but in positive actions relating to veteran affairs.

Here in Lake Worth, two matters come to mind immediately. On North Federal Highway at Worthmore Avenue, there was a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker and that marker is in dire need of repair or replacement. Help us, the Legion and the Lake Worth Town and Country Garden Club, fix that problem and restore it with pride to honor all veterans. We have the funds; you help us with the paperwork for the state.

And there is that small matter of a Veterans Day Parade in Lake Worth. Can the city find funding for an item so small in cost but huge in terms of respect? Remember we would not be living free today but for the service of these good men and women. Reflect on that and respect them with an “absolutely” to a parade this year.

In closing, I just want to say how grateful I am to be able to speak on their behalf. Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful, the motto of the United States Marine Corps, sums up their service. Thank you, and don’t forget

REMEMBER, REFLECT, RESPECT

Peter J. Matthews

Captain, U. S. Marine Corps (Ret'd)