With barely any advertisement in local newspapers, the service at Pinecrest Cemetery had perhaps 80 people in attendance. In spite of the lack of advertisement, the sparse attendance is due to disaffected and apathetic Americans and how they treat today as a three day weekend and a time for barbecue. They don't show up to honor all those who fought for our freedoms. We are lucky to be living in the greatest country on Earth, thanks to all of them. We should NEVER forget that.
The key address was given by Col. Robert Ames, USAF Ret. who spoke the truth about what has happened across the world and how our brave soldiers have not had the support they deserve. There is too much apathy from people who don’t seem to understand the sacrifice of U.S. servicemen and women.
It's a sad day honoring our dead and even a sadder day knowing that there are Americans who just don't give a damn. Thanks to all those who showed up today, some of whom were: Mayor Pam Triolo (great speech but I liked last year's best!), Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell, Commissioner John Szerdi, May and Sam Goodstein, Helen Marino, Mary Lindsey, Tammy Panza, Marshall Pass, Jeff Clemens, Greg Rice, Honey Duncan and Helen Greene.
Unfortunately, most people in this great country of ours have no idea why this day was set aside to honor and pay thanks to those who died protecting and defending our liberty and freedoms. The tradition began just after the end of the Civil War, our deadliest conflict to date. Most probably think it's a 3 day weekend to celebrate the beginning of summer. A season we in south FL enjoy 365 days a year. Thousands will flock to the beach, parks and and family get togethers to eat, drink and watch sports while honing their newly acquired outdoor grills skills hoping to be the next grill master celebrity TV chef. Only a small number will pause and reflect on what this sacred national Holliday is meant to honor.
ReplyDeleteToday at LW's Pinecrest Cemetery, about 100 or so people came out to pay tribute to those buried there and around the world who sacrificed their life so now, 238 years and counting later, defending what this country represents. I've attended maybe 15 or so of these programs out there. Seeing the American flag and small white cross marked grave sites, the color guards, Boy Scouts, and hearing the patriotic music and speeches. In all the years I've done this I've never heard any mayor give a better heartfelt speech honoring those that gave so much, so we can have the opportunities we to often today take for granted, than Mayor Pam Triolo. Thank you for taking the time away from your family and friends on this day with so many other things going on to thank our Veterans. Not only buried in LW, but those around the globe who never came home to their families and friends. Great speech! Thanks too for the leadership you've brought to our city. Just wish more would have been there to say thanks.
The cemetery looked good. One other thing, no dogs allowed there. Thank God for something. That colonel was awesome.
ReplyDeleteWell if there was no notice and no advertising, why would you expect some great turn out?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely the point. Don't we have an events coordinator now? Perhaps this doesn't fall under the job description.
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