Memorial Day a somber day for mourning

Once again, as Memorial Day approaches, we are still engaged in combat situations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For better or worse, it's a war on global terrorism, with no end in sight. Whether you're for or against thewar, itmatters not; our armed forces are serving in harm's way, which brings even more meaning to Memorial Day.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, we celebrate ourmen andwomenwho wear the uniform of our United States military, both past and present.MemorialDay ismeant to be a somber day of remembrance, and to mourn our war dead.

As these conflicts drag on, many Americans are taking our fighting forces for granted as the economy has taken over as the No. 1 priority. Not so with the families of their loved ones serving overseas. They live day to day, praying for their safe return. They live the war 24/7.

As our war dead continues to climb nearly every day, over 4,000 dead and 33,000 wounded, their families suffer. So, this Memorial Day pray not only for our military personnel, but for the mother, father, children, husbands and wives and all the other relatives and friends. Just one death can touch and ruin 100 lives.

God bless all our veterans, past and present. We, as a nation, say thank you for our freedom, because freedom certainly is not free - ask any veteran or look at the flag-decorated graves.
Jerry Noonan
VFW Post No. 7164
Avenel