Mike's Newspaper Column

Mike's Newspaper Column
Read Mike's column weekly in the Times Community Newspaper Family, including the legendary Kettering-Oakwood Times, and posted here the following week.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Every Day Should Be Memorial Day


Every Day Should Be Memorial Day
By Mike Scinto
            By the time you read this column the “official” day of commemoration for our fallen heroes who risked life and limb to defend our country will have passed by a few days. But I think every day should be treated as “Memorial Day” when it comes to the kinds of sacrifices our soldiers have given, and continue to give.

            As we travel through our busy schedules; projects at work, the kids in school, sports, economic issues and numerous other things that occupy our minds, men and women are in unbelievably scary, dangerous and deadly situations so our way of life can continue.

            I am proud to say that I am a disabled United States Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam era. My late father, who we lost in 2003, was a Pearl Harbor and Guadalcanal Campaign survivor. My father-in-law served several tours as a fighter pilot in Vietnam before retiring from the United States Air Force. I am so proud of both of them and of all the other veterans, living and deceased, who populate our family tree.

            As of this writing I have to offer this observation. It was announced that rather than the American Presidential tradition, Barrack Obama had decided to pass on the breakfast with family members of fallen heroes and the laying of the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery. He had decided instead to go hang with his buddies back home in Chicago. I am aware that other Presidents have opted to hand that duty over to their VPs. But none of those Commanders-In Chief have in so many other ways shown a complete lack of respect for our country, way of life or traditions.

            As I said, when you read this, the actual commemorative day is past. But you can still visit your friends’ or relatives’ graves. Call a family member of a fallen veteran who is still living. Or just go visit one of the most impressive, awe-inspiring and respectful sites in America; the National Cemetery on the grounds of the Dayton VA. It’s a visit you will truly feel and will want to make again; whether it’s Memorial Day or not.

            God Bless our American Veterans; living and dead, past present and future!