Another Memorial Day has passed.

True Americans took a little time out of their busy day to remember the men and women who have died to make our lives in this free country possible.

I was drafted in the Vietnam Era. Did my duty in Germany. Have good memories then went back to civilian life. But two years of active duty and five years of reserves branded me with the heart of an American soldier. I was fortunate and returned. Those who served our country in times of war are who we honor on Memorial Day.

One such patriot from Palmerton Gerald Pereira, an immigrant from Portugal, when his new country called he answered and served in World War II. I often sit at the Palmerton War Memorial and go the 2nd stone on the left, far side, 2nd stone in, 1st column in, half way down to Gerald Pereira’s name. With a tear in my eye, I thank him for his wonderful daughter Linda Pereira, my daughter-in-law.

Charles M. Knight

Palmerton