I've just returned from the Duncansville Memorial Day parade and am very disheartened that the real meaning of Memorial Day seems to have been lost this year.
With the exception of the car carrying our honored World War II veterans, the real meaning of the holiday was lost.
And nowhere was it more evident than in the children lining the parade route with grocery bags to carry the candy thrown from fire trucks and other vehicles.
Where was our honor and respect for those who fought and died to make this country free? Flags, for the most part, were simply used as decorations, and free candy was the order of the day.
My husband served on active duty for almost 35 years, and when my children went to a parade, they stood at attention when a flag passed by.
It was not because they had to but because they recognized that behind every flag was a father who was away more than home, and he did so for the privilege of keeping his country and family safe from those who wanted to destroy it.
They learned to be proud of our vets at an early age.
I'm proud to say my children followed in the footsteps of their father, grandfathers and ancestors as far back as the Revolutionary War.
I challenge all of you to make next year's Memorial Day different. Don't let it become just another candy-throwing parade.
And talk to children about the significance of this holiday and challenge them to stand proud and not rush to pick up free candy thrown at them.
Our troops aren't fighting in Afghanistan and other places around the world so our kids can have more candy and think a flag is just a decoration.
Sign me a proud wife, mother and mother-in-law of various men and women who have served or are serving our country.
Carolyn J. Brown
Duncansville
