Memorial Day

This day is quickly approaching and I have been thinking about it quite a bit since I was visiting my Grandmother and she asked me to look at her uniform. She has been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 9328 for 40 years. She was just given her 40 year pin a week ago. VFW Post 9328 in Harrison, ME is named after my uncle, Ronald G. St. John. I have several men in my family that serve this post and many women who serve in the Ladies Auxiliary. Memorial Day is a big day for the town of Harrison and a big deal for the St. John Family. The story has been told to me time and time again of how it came to be that Harrison held this event no matter what. Many years ago it was pouring rain and they were discussing cancelling it when my grandfather, who was a quiet but wise man, simply said, "Well, our boys died in the rain I guess I can march in it." That settled it! They have held this event rain or shine every year. I can remember years walking with no band in the parade because it was raining so hard they couldn't play. I have attended the service and parade every year of my life, except one. I was 16 and away on a school trip. I hated it. It has always been a day for family and remembrance. We remember those that sacrificed so that we can be free. We remember and we say thank you. So today I say thank you to some great people in my family that have sacrificed...to my Uncle Ronnie who died on that battlefield in Vietnam, to my Grampa St. John who survived being a POW in WWII, to my Grampa Paul who served in Korea. Each one of these men sacrificed much so I can be free today. I want to say a huge thank you to the women that were left behind and also sacrificed much while their men served. My family has given me a great legacy of patriotism and pride. So with Memorial Day approaching I say thank you for your sacrifice and I have not forgotten!