Grateful on Memorial Day

Patriotism — Webster defines patriots as those who love and support their country. It’s that and so much more. Patriots, many who have served this nation in our military, continue to defend our freedoms and our Constitution as our forefathers intended.

Unarmed they fight against injustice, tyranny, corruption, political weaponization and collusion with foreign enemies for personal gain. They get their daily news through experience having learned to shun most mainstream and social media. Their home to go secret weapon readily employed (their remote control). They listen to differences ofopinion if possible rather than becoming outraged and indignant, take responsibility for their actions and admit mistakes.

You may see them paying for the morning Joe or restaurant meals for first responders, attending fundraising meal functions and ordering a couple to go for homebound friends. They are our defenders of freedom and our Constitution continuously under assault by those trying to destroy this nation from within supported by our enemies. What do all patriots have in common? Not only do they love and support their country but they possess a great deal of common sense so seriously lacking these days. I am blessed to be surrounded by homes proudly flying the American flag.

When you pass a flag waving be assured therein lives a patriot and they don’t tolerate nonsense.

At the Irondale cemetery you may see individuals trimming grass, securing and cleaning stones or just saying a solemn prayer — a patriot, as well as those Legionnaires and VFW members replacing flags on veteran holidays. For them freedom, honor, pride and duty is a fight against socialism and tyranny. It seem funny that those championing socialism would not have their jobs or business unless directed and controlled by a socialist state. We have just honored our nation’s veteran dead on Memorial Day. On 6 June 1944 (D-DAY) 134 of Millerton’s young men went to war to save our allies later to be honored in November. “Lest we forget those so many dreams buried forever and those still amongst us — thank you from a grateful nation.” God bless you patriotic readers and your families.

Have a wonderful summer.

Town of North East resident Larry Conklin is a Vietnam veteran and a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the VFW Post 6851. in North Canaan, Connecticut.