Memorial Day

I, as an Armenian woman, am very unhappy that the News-Press publised a letter with the statements used to make such an unethical judgment. I did not appreciate any of the racism that was all over this letter. I cannot understand an individual who gets so stereotypical with a race that also has many hard-working individuals who came to the United States and became American Citizens. "My uncle died, and he served this country. I know he is turning over in his grave, knowing the Armenian community wants us to honor something that did not happen here!"

TRADITIONAL ATTENDANCE CALENDAR: Sept. 5-6: Teacher Institute/staff development days. Sept. 7: First semester begins and school opens. Nov. 9: First quarter ends. Nov. 10: Veterans Day. Nov. 23-24: Thanksgiving recess. Dec. 18 - Jan.1: Winter recess. Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Feb. 2: Second quarter and first semester end. Student holiday, all teachers on duty. Feb. 12: Lincoln Day. Feb. 19: Washington Day. April 6: Third quarter ends.

This Memorial Day, I want to thank every veteran from the bottom of my heart for making our country free today. From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee, across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea, from New York, down to Houston, Houston to L.A, we thank you. Every veteran that served this country will always mean the world to me. About five year's ago, my uncle Albert passed away and when they...

Jenna Bordelon LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE -- The words speak for themselves. "Oh beautiful for heroes/ proved in liberating strife/ who more than self/ their country loved/ and mercy more than life. These words from "America the Beautiful" will be sung by the Chancel Choir at the 10 a.m. Sunday service at Church of the Lighted Window. A special arrangement was written by choir director, Steve Hill. "This is the second verse I'm highlighting for Memorial Day," Hill said.

While many look at Memorial Day as an extra day off, I look at it as a day to honor those who have sacrificed for the rest of us. So when I was told I would be covering several Memorial Day events for the paper on Monday, I thought that would give me several opportunities to honor those who sacrificed for me. After photographing the ceremonies in Montrose, I knew I had plenty of good art that could run in the paper. So I tried looking for something different and special at the Glendale ceremony.

This is Memorial Day! I want to thank every veteran of every race that served this great country, the United States of America. It is only because of you that country is free today. To all the men who ad the guts to defend this great country, every one of you will always be heroes to me every Memorial Day. My heart is broken because I miss my Uncle Albert so much, and my heart and prayers go out to every family that has lost a loved one fighting for this country.

All the people who participated in the planning and performance of the Memorial Day commemorative program at City Hall on May 28 certainly deserve congratulations and thanks. It was a great program, well done and enjoyed by a large crowd. Each participant had a personal and unique message and delivery commensurate with their part of the activity. I was particularly impressed with Larry Zarian's closing remarks, which came with extreme sincerity and personal feeling.

Ira Joe Davis Ladies and gentlemen, let me begin by thanking the leadership of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States for allowing me to participate in your Memorial Day ceremonies. Memorial Day has a special significance to me, and I am truly honored to be with you today. When I accepted your invitation to speak, I was presented with a dilemma. You see, I received several "canned" speeches to choose from for today's message.

Protests the lack of protesters It is not true that, “There were no protesters at Monday morning’s ceremony” (“Memorial Day celebrated”, May 30). Among the crowd in Montrose were a number of Friday evening regulars like myself (sans signs of course) and from both sides of the street. Those who exercise our rights of free speech and assembly to oppose the Iraqi occupation, and those who exercise those same rights to support the war and oppose the peace vigil all support and honor those who serve.

Robert Chacon Those who don't leave town on this traditionally heavily traveled weekend have a lot to look forward to. The city will host its 32nd annual Fiesta Days celebration, an event that has been around longer than La Canada Flintridge has been a city. Originally planned to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the city's Spanish heritage, the event now emphasizes the city's family-oriented atmosphere and provides an opportunity to pay tribute to war veterans on Memorial Day. "People can expect food, fun, family and fellowship," said Pat Anderson, executive director of the La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event.