Memorial Day

My Dear Friends,

Today I attended the Plaistow, NH Memorial Day Commemoration ceremonies on the Town Green. I was honored to be among the brave men and women that have served in our Armed Forces and all those in the close knit community that chose to attend the event. I am humbled by those who gave their lives in order for us to live freely in a Democratic society. Town Manager Sean R.Fitzgerald, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Governor Maggie Hassan, among others, made short remarks regarding the ultimate sacrifices that have been made by "ordinary" citizens during wartime. I will leave you some of the photographs that I took this morning. Today, I will count all of my blessings. Here is the link to the whole ceremony. http://vimeo.com/96549998

Bob

Remarks from the Post Commander

We would like to take this opportunity to remember the incredible cost paid by those who gave their all to help preserve the freedoms we enjoy, those gallant individuals who fought and died for our country. Yet, it is in remembering our fallen comrades that we are reminded of those whose fate is still unknown, those still listed as Missing In Action and Prisoners Of War. More than 78,000 Americans are still unaccounted for from World War II; 8,100 from Korea; 120 from the Cold War; 1,810 from Viet Nam; and 3 from the Gulf War. These courageous Americans, who dedicated their lives to preserving and protecting our freedom, will never be forgotten. To honor these men and women, we will perform the             POW/MIA Empty Chair Ceremony. 

Those who have served and those currently serving in the uniformed 

services of the United States are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation, and internment. 

 We call your attention to this small table which occupies a place of dignity and honor. It is being set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks. They are referred to as POWs and MIAs. 

We call them comrades. They are unable to be with their loved ones and 

families, so we join together to pay our humble tribute to them, and to bear witness to their continued absence.