Eternal Rest Grant to Them

“Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord” says the priest quietly. “and let perpetual light shine upon them” murmurs the crowd habitually.  These words echo in my head, almost monotonous at this point.

Our community has seen hard times as people we have known and loved for years have walked on.  It is only fitting that on the issue commemorating Memorial Day, I have the chance to address this.

I grew up with an appreciation for Memorial Day, having a Grandfather very active in the American Legion as I grew up.  A proud WWII Veteran, he taught me the value of duty and honor, straight from what was then the US Army Air Corps.  I look at Memorial Day from the standpoint of the veterans.  Literally the “Day to Remember” but I also see it in a different light.  “Memorial Day”  a day to remember, I also look at it as a day not to forget.  We remember those passed, but we can also try not to forget what we do have.  I cherish the people in my life.  I cherish each friend, each family member, each familiar face I pass as I walk down the street to Subway for my morning sandwich.  As we walk through our week, we carry the memories of those passed.  I’ve been told that they’re alive as long as we carry them with us.  If that is the case, I have the good fortune of having many good people from my past to carry.  As we remember, as we try not to forget, let us remember what makes this town unique and strong – we stick together, we help each other, and we get through everything as a community.  I’m proud to be a Boyne guy – through and through.