Honoring those who gave their lives to protect us

Memorial Day is a time to remember all those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today and not just a day for sales in stores or having barbecues with family and friends. It is a time to remember those freedoms come with great personal sacrifce for those who leave families, jobs and friends to serve the greater good.

I know that for a fact. I served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and was proud to have done so. Today I am Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911 in Douglaston, a member of the American Legion Post #103 in Douglaston, a member of Our Lady of the Snows in Floral Park and also a past member of the Catholic War Vet- erans post #1979 in Glen Oaks Village.

As such I believe in volunteering and I hope I am serving the greater good. So please honor Memorial Day by attending parades in your local communities and saluting those who serve our country, including the men and women in the military, police ofcers, frefghters, frst responders and our doctors and nurses. Please fy the American Flag from home and ofce if you can.

If you know a veteran, call them to say thank you for serving our country and keeping us safe from tyranny. May God bless America!

Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose