Midland Park
June 6, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 25
Patriotism shows through during Memorial Day
Midland Park celebrated Memorial Day with services and a parade on Saturday, May 26. Pictured clockwise from bottom left: MC Charles Ryan presents Dirk Douma with plaque commemorating his late father, long time VFW Commander Hank Douma; Grand Marshal Ray Hale and his wife Anne; winners of Fire Department’s Essay Contest ride on fire truck; veterans Joe Sheffel and Harold Allen lower flag to half mast; Midland Park High School Concert Band; residents along the parade route display their appreciation; attendees, including Congressman Scott Garrett. hold hands during singing of God Bless America; Girl Scouts on patriotic float.
What Memorial Day means to me
by Tess Szydlik “Cannonball!” I yell as I leap into cool waters, body sliding through the pool on Memorial Day. The aroma of cheeseburgers drifts through the town on this American holiday. But, Memorial Day means more than pool openings, ear-splitting parades, and delicious hot dogs and hamburgers. This is not just a Monday off from school to let kids relax. So, although this day can be fun, take a step back to remember what it is truly about. Memorial Day reminds us of what the soldiers did for us. The soldiers who fought so hard for freedom that they died in the process will never reap the rewards they gave their lives for. Without them, we wouldn’t have the freedom to say what we think. We wouldn’t have the power to believe what we want. If these people hadn’t given their lives, the United States of America would still be ruled unfairly by the English. These brave hearts didn’t always know what they were getting into, but that didn’t stop them. We owe our lives to all the soldiers who fought for the liberty we have now. This dangerous path is vital to the survival of the USA, and soldiers are the heroes that lead the charge to their deaths. Memorial Day reminds me that we have it good. Countries like Egypt that have been in the news do not have the freedom of speech. They get killed for having a peaceful protest. I am glad the United States doesn’t have that problem. We have freedoms that are unimaginable in countries around the globe. Memorial Day reminds us that there are things more important than money. As good as a crisp green dollar bill feels in your hands, some things top it. The fact that we can vote for our own leaders is priceless. Cold hard cash can’t top things like the fact that everyone is equal. Whether you are black or white, female or male, you have the same rights. The 50 states are like siblings. They quarrel sometimes, but ultimately get along. Memorial Day tells us that we can make a difference. Although each of us may be “one person,” everyone can make a change. Children in the Revolutionary War risked their lives to spy. We can protest something we don’t like, even if it seems hopeless. No matter how small you may be, everybody can make a difference. Memorial Day shows us “The sun doesn’t rise and set on me.” We think about ourselves; how great we are, and what we want. Thousands of innocent souls put the US before their wants, needs, and cares. They gave up many luxuries and endured fatal conditions they had never expe-
rienced. They are the best role models, and didn’t cower in the face of danger. Even now, we need young men and women to take the burden of war and possible death. Remember, you don’t need super powers to be a hero. The families of these brave hearts also suffered, wondering if their loved one was dead or alive. Imagine if your Aunt Susie or Uncle Bob went to war in Iraq. After months of waiting, you receive news declaring them dead. How would you deal with this devastating turn of events? My heart would split into pieces. Soldiers’ families felt just like I would. Death is a sad occurrence, but the result can be great. Remember, these courageous men and women gave the best, and saddest, sacrifice of all. They gave their lives! Tess Szydlik, a sixth grader at Highland School in Midland Park, was one of the winners of the Midland Park Fire Department’s Memorial Day Essay Competition and was selected to read her entry at this year’s Memorial Day observances along with another student from Highland/Godwin and two from Eastern Christian Elementary School. In all there were 13 winners from Highland/Godwin School and eleven from Eastern Christian.