Frank Speziale Photo
NORWICH – A number of Chenango County citizens made the most of a rainy Memorial Day yesterday, May 29, in spite of inclement weather that prevented some of the customary holiday traditions.
In lieu of the parade which was forwent due to heavy rain, the silver-lining of yesterday's events was when would-be parade-goers congregated in Norwich Fire Department to hear the words of guest speaker and retired Army Sergeant Major John Sheldon.
Sheldon offered attendees a reminder of why we celebrate Memorial Day in the first place.
"As generations pass, the meaning of this day sometimes becomes distant or vague," said Sheldon. "Over the years, Memorial Day has become lost to commercialism or just drowned in forgetful indulgence."
He went on to posit that in too many cases, people view Memorial Day as just an opportunity to have a day off from work, or to cash-in on certain sales being offered at local stores.
"[No one mentions] that Memorial Day is a day for us to honor all the brave men and women who have sacrificed their life preserving the freedom we all love so dearly," said Sheldon. "[No one mentions] that Memorial Day is a day when all Americans – regardless of ideologies, race, creed, or political persuasion – join together to remember all the sacrifices of those who have answered our nation's call."
Sheldon – who is currently Manager at the Curtis Lumber Co. Store in Norwich – served over 21 years of active duty military service. He went on to specifically commend three Norwich-area heroes who have paid the ultimate price for our country: PFC Earl Peter Beeching, PFC Richard W. Frink, and SSG Howard Earl Burdick.
