Service in the Persian Gulf War left Gilbert Henry physically unable to work. But the chaplain for American Legion Post 304 says he has another job - helping to remind people of his fellow veterans who died to preserve the freedom that Americans enjoy.

"I'm a disabled veteran. The federal government says I'm unemployable, but the Lord sent me a job. My job is to be a blessing to my fellow man, and to fellow veterans, and to remind people that the very freedom that they enjoy today came with the price of blood from others who aren't here today," he said.Henry was the guest speaker for the Memorial Day remembrances in the Jim Thorpe area over the weekend. Over two days, ceremonies were held at four cemeteries and 11 war memorials in the greater Jim Thorpe area.Sunday morning, they visited Immaculate Conception, Evergreen, St. Joseph's, and Mauch Chunk cemeteries in the borough.During the ceremonies, Kyle Sebelin, a student at S.S. Palmer Elementary, read the Gettysburg Address.Henry recalled the origins of the holiday with Logan's General Order, given in 1868. After the ceremony, he lamented that many Americans simply regard the day as the unofficial beginning of summer."They'll say that's when the beaches open up, the pools open up. Not many of them will say that's the day we honor and respect those who laid down their lives so we could have the freedom to go the beach," he said.Jim Thorpe Borough council member Joanne Klitsch followed the group at most of their stops. She said that she misses the borough's own Memorial Day parade, but said she's thankful for the celebration that does take place."It hurts me that they aren't parading, but the people don't come out. I paraded for 53 years. Three years ago when we were told there wouldn't be a parade, it just killed me," she said.Henry said he will continue to honor his fellow veterans. He wants his children and grandchildren to see his example as someone who valued freedom."I'm blessed to be here, this is my calling," he said.