Letter to the editor: Honoring those who protected our democracy

There were many emotional Memorial Day celebrations across the country on May 31. Close to home at Westmoreland County Memorial Park was a day of remembrance for those who sacrificed. The organizers did a beautiful presentation of reading veterans’ names and a 21-gun salute.

These programs made me think of my father’s service of three years in World War II slogging around Europe as a Marine. As he shared stories, I sensed mixed feelings in his voice — feelings of sorrow, fear and sympathy, but always pride. The pride of fighting for freedom against tyranny. He often remarked, “I fought so you, and others, won’t have to.”

My father entered the chaos of war at 19. I can’t imagine his thoughts of watching the insurrection and violence of Jan. 6. I think it would be appalling to his service and the 400,000 Americans who died in the 1940s protecting democracy.

The conviction of the seditionists, many going to jail, is the reason Memorial Day must continue. Our heroic veterans must be remembered for what they did and endured. Our democracy allows us to speak out, peacefully protest and vote.

Democracy is freedom. Not book banning, not taking rights away and not misinterpreting the Second Amendment. Yet many continue to support lies and hate. They demonstrate these views with yard banners of a self serving, vindictive former president. It’s so disrespectful to those who gave up so much — like my father.

Frank Flori

Hempfield