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Remembrance

On Monday, Americans will remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for a grateful nation. Like all military service deaths honored by our country, flags will fly at half-staff. However, on Memorial Day, flags will only be at half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff the remainder of the day. This unique custom pays tribute to the veterans who died, and those who lived, a recognition of those who sacrificed, and those who still serve a nation that lives on. The afternoon raised flag also symbolizes our country’s persistence in the face of adversity and loss. At 3:00 pm local time, grateful Americans will participate in a “National Moment Of Remembrance”, with silence for a minute to reflect on the true meaning of the day.

Freedom isn’t free. To quote poet Kelly Strong: “How many died on foreign soil? How many mothers’ tears? How many pilots’ planes shot down? How many died at sea? How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves? No, freedom isn’t free”.

Perhaps Lee Greenwood said it best: “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I’ll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, ‘cuz there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the U.S.A.”

So when you gather with friends and family on Memorial Day, fly your flag at half-staff in the morning, and raise it to full-staff the rest of the day, and pause for a moment mid-afternoon to reflect on the meaning of it all.

Bill Jameson

Williamsport

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom

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