I was raised in a patriotic household in this patriotic town of Millerton. At a very young age I was given responsibility for many daily chores one of whichinvolved raising and retiring our red, white and blue flag pre-dawn and at dusk. Another was my feeble attempt at gardening. I proved a much better harvester of veggies, fruits, game and fish. This was a time of self-sustenance, meaning you produced your own food or you went hungry. Raising chickens, cold storage, canning, salting and drying was the norm.
WW2 was upon us — meager rationing of fuel, food and everyday necessities were scarce so we embraced our faith in God, ourselves and Mother Nature’s bounty. Most local town young men were in military service. Some never came back. Women produced war machinery, food, clothing and items essential to our troops — remember Rosie the Riveter? Young boys became crack shots and respectable fishermen which provided home table fare. These skills served them well when they later joined the military to protect our freedoms from those wishing us evil.
Our young men and women continue to protect us, foreign and domestically, from these evils giving us freedom and relief of anxiety, uncertainty and subjucation. A strong commander-in-chief and a strong military devoid of political prejudice will protect our country for all the right and reasonable reasons thereby keeping us safe. Vote wisely.
From the American Revolution til present far too many have fallen or passed. Memorial Day — a day to respectfully remember and honor those who have given up their homes, loved ones, futures and dreams to protect you, the American public.
Drive through a local cemetary and see patriotism on full display. Take a moment to offer a prayer for their souls. A solemn day for me which will start on a high mountainside listening for the various gun volleys announcing their salutes of honor paying respects to our nation’s fallen.
God bless you, patriotic readers and your families Have a terrific Memorial Day weekend with favorable weather, family and friends and yummy BBQs.
God is good and will look over you. Til next time.
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.
Meg Sher, executive director of the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village.L. Tomaino 
