We asked readers for their Memorial Day thoughts. Here are some replies:

Pride in Armed Forces

Red, white and blue are colors that symbolize America, the land of the free and home of the brave. It is a concise phrase that each of us have heard repeatedly throughout our lives. Have we really thought about the true meaning of those words and the significance to our lives? Coming from a family where military mattered, I was exposed to a variety of uniforms with lapels, braids, stripes, insignia, and Medal of Honor. Army uniforms blended with the Navy whites, brightening the mix of relatives’ appearances; those whom I loved, respected and eventually lost.

Spit-shine shoes pulled together the uniform emphasizing discipline, pride and honor in one’s self and more so, their country.

When thinking about the influence a soldier had in my life, I think about how others devoted their lives to the betterment of our nation. I, along with probably much of society, take for granted the riches of life that we have and what was accomplished … the freedom to go to school, to choose the church I worship at, and make a decision about my personal values and beliefs with the liberty to express them.

I do not have to hide the cross I choose to wear. I do not have to hide the book I selected, and I can agree or disagree with public issues such as women’s rights, equality, or global warming. This is the norm for me, but certainly not for everyone in the world.

I focus on my father who devoted his abruptly shortened career and life to the military. I see the waves of the red, white and blue across my uncle’s graves, my neighbors, my parishioners, my teachers, my community members and of course, those unmarked graves screaming “Remember me also.”

I visualize the tombstones and crosses that were etched out attempting to identify the name of a person who contributed to this freedom.

These individuals willingly left families behind to serve the USA and solidify what our country stands for. Fathers, husbands, uncles, and neighbors left because they wanted something better for their families, their children and those to come in the future. It was a unified effort to maintain something they believed in … something passed onto them … a free nation.

The Armed Forces and those left behind symbolize the dreams of choices not shattered. It represents unified strength and the power of people with beliefs worth standing up for. We honor and thank you for your service on this Memorial Day.

Marcia Kalista-Richards

Formerly of Lansford

Thank you to all who served

My father and his brothers and brothers in law all served in World War II, I served in Vietnam and the first Gulf War.

I also have cousins that served, I have nephews who served and are serving now.

I am thankful for all the men and women that have served with me and for me.

I feel that it is a disservice to the fallen that the VA has canceled the flag placement by the Boy Scouts for this year. Thank you to all who have served, God Bless each and every one.

Craig Reed Retired (USN)

West Penn Township