VFW Commander's Memorial Day Message

Memorial Day is almost upon us. Port Washington has a long history of honoring this day originally called "Decoration Day."

This holiday is when citizens of our great country get a chance to honor the dead and living veterans. Americans who suffered extreme hardship and extreme conditions, up to and including loss of life, defending freedom.

Townsfolk place flags on the graves of deceased veterans and participate in the parade as well as attend the following service at the in . Those who have a veteran in their family can enjoy a special time remembering his sacrifice.

This year American Legion Post 509 and VFW Post 1819 will each produce a "Grand Marshal" for the parade and the following ceremony. Post 1819 was pleased to select John Fiore ("Little John") of Sands Point Auto Body. Post 509 selected Art Wade a long-time Port resident and retired teacher. 

Both veterans are well-deserving of all the honor we can bestow upon them!

Let us all render a moment of silence for our departed veterans on Memorial Day. Let us all give a big hug to our veterans who are still here with us.

Don't forget to fly the flag!

See you all at the parade! Check out portwashingtonVFW.com

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

By LTC. John McCrae MD Canadian Army

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The Larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
Though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John Chalker is Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1819, 29 Mohegan Ave, Port Washington, NY, 767-1552; portwashingtonVFW.com.