Another Memorial Day is upon us, and sadly we have our brave men and
women fighting battles in foreign lands.
Many of us have our own individual memories of past Memorial Days. I
remember the graves all decorated with bright red geraniums by loved ones
who cannot forget those long gone. Then there are the many graves
identified as veterans, where the Boy Scouts have respectfully placed an
American flag.
Memorial Day brings added memories to our family. On May 21, 2002, we
buried our seventh veteran. Dom served in the Korean War. They played
"Taps" at his grave site. One of our family served at the Battle of the
Bulge. Others served in the Pacific in World War II. My nephew, Colonel
Joseph, made the Army a career and served in Germany and two tours of
duty in Vietnam.
Lately there has been much discussion about the United States flag in
Glendale. We now have seven precious burial flags in our family. Some
people may believe it is just a piece of cloth. That is true, but it is a
beautiful piece of cloth. Those 50 stars represent unique people from 50
different states where their individuality, customs, food, clothes and
accents can be so noticeable. Yet, we are all one in a way that astounds
the rest of the world.
The red stripes on our flag should be a reminder of all the blood that
has been shed, from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and all the wars
so valiantly fought that we may enjoy our present freedom, prosperity and
opportunities.
When Dom learned that a small school in his neighborhood needed a new
flag, he quickly bought one for it. He was very ill, but making sure that
the school had a flag meant so much to him.
That's our Memorial Day 2002. Please remember to say a thank-you to
all our veterans and military service personnel this Memorial Day.
ANGELA SPERDUTI
Glendale
