Letter to the editor: Patriotism and gratitude

Dear Editor,

On Dec. 18, 2001, Congress passed Public Law No. 107-89 designating September 11th as “Patriot Day”. It’s a shame a law had to be passed to ensure patriotism is kept alive. We should always remember sacrifices have been made by many for our freedoms – military, law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics – some have given the ultimate sacrifice.

We owe these heroes, not just those who gave of themselves on Sept. 11, 2001, but those who have given throughout our history and those who are still giving today, a vow to never forget their sacrifices. And we owe them a promise to tell future generations of the price paid for their freedoms. Taking those freedoms for granted is a sure way to lose them. There is a saying “Freedom shall endure”; well, it won’t if we neglect our responsibilities in preserving it.

Due to a shortage of volunteers, the American Legion Family of Art Semro Post and Unit 28 is unable to put on our annual Patriot Day Ceremony this year but wishes to remind everyone that as we go about our lives – young members of our armed forces are fighting the war on terrorism in countless ways. Just as veterans of earlier generations, today’s men and women in uniform understand our precious freedoms come at a very high price. We also have men and women of our Ambulance, Fire, Police, Sheriff, and State Patrol who give of themselves every day to help protect us and our freedoms.

We encourage people to send notes of thanks (maybe even submit a letter to the editor), display “thank you” signs in businesses, homes and yards. Flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff on Sept 11th is also a way of honoring the USA and those who make this nation great. Please take action, do at least one of the above suggestions and share the information so more people will participate. We may not have a ceremony but we can still do a lot to help encourage people to remember our freedoms and the responsibilities we should live up to in order to preserve them.

Yours in Service & friendship for God and Country,

Jane Montaney

Americanism Chairman

American Legion Art Semro Unit 28, Ephrata