The Villages - May 2019 - 3

the

Breaker

W h at d o e s M e M o r i a l d ay
Mean to you?
It goes back to a basic understanding of
history and honoring those who did the work
and gave their lives. There's a saying: Anyone
who serves has, in effect, written a blank
check payable to the United States of America
for an amount up to and including their lives.
And this is true. Some jobs are less likely
than others to end this way, but you never
know. - Bob Van Nuise, Village of Glenbrook, member
of The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1036

I was in the military for 21 years and I saw
a lot of stuff. It makes you remember things
and remember those who can't be here. It's
sort of sad but then I look around and see all
the guys who made it. They got through it
and I'm grateful. I listen to all the people who
say, "Thank you for your service," and I say,
"Thank you for allowing me to serve." I started
as a high school graduate and ended up with
a master's degree. The military did right by
me. I'm very pleased. Memorial Day is just a
thank you to all who didn't make it, to those
who helped us along the way. I'd say we'll be
gathering with neighbors, but we do that all
the time anyway. Yesterday we had a block
party; every week we have one. We get together
a lot. - Bruce Taylor, Village of Hemingway
It's all about the veterans - especially
for me, the Vietnam veterans. I came home
50 years ago yesterday so a lot of memories
are coming back now. I've been to a couple of
(Vietnam veterans ceremonies at Veterans'
Memorial Park of The Villages), but this year
it means more because it's been 50 years. It's
hard to believe. - Jim Wells

Thank You,
Veterans

We always celebrate Memorial Day. My
husband marches with the honor guard and
I go to all the parades. We put up flags at the
cemetery - about 350 of them. We line all the
pathways in the little Iowa town cemetery.
It's just beautiful. My husband's father was a
World War II vet and my husband is a Vietnam
vet so of course we celebrate. - Rita and Kevin
Eikamp, Village of Hadley
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The Villages - May 2019

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