Bethpage-Tribune_2009-05-22

              nrTiinflririFHiniifiM
Honoring Those Who
Sacrificed So Much
We have so much to be thankful for in this wonderful country we all
call home. And while certainly, we as a Nation, are facing many difficult
problems, we still have so much to cherish and appreciate. The United
States of America is the greatest nation in the world. It is a Nation that is
3ased on the principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for all
its citizens. But those rights, those principles did not come without a price.
Freedom is not free and there have been so many brave men and women
who have paid the price for those rights and freedoms. Sadly, some have
3aid the ultimate price.
On Memorial Day we salute our Veterans who gave their lives so that
we can enjoy the rights and freedoms that we have come to know. We
salute their courage, their spirit and their dedication to this wonderful
country. We honor their commitment, their courage and we also honor
their families and friends who were left behind, bccause certainly they sac-rificed
as well.
This Memorial Day as you line the streets to participate in our parade,
please, when you see our glorious flag parade by, put your hand over your
heart and salute it. Respect it. Every star and every stripe is a symbol of
those brave and loyal Veterans who fought long and hard, and are still
fighting, so that we as a Nation can live as free people. Every star and
every stripe is a symbol of the dedication and spirit that should lie inside
all our hearts and every star and every stripe represent a Country that we
all love and are privileged to be citizens of. And when you see our
Veterans marching proudly down the street, thank them. Thank each and
every one of them for giving unselfishly. Their spirit and eternal belief in
this Nation is inspirational.
So when you arc looking for heroes, when you or your children are
looking for role models or someone to look up to... look no further. The
real heros are and always will be our Veterans. The real role models are
the men and women of our armed forces. They are TRUE AMERICAN
IDOLS. God bless them all.
We received a wonderful poem from Doris Steimer, which we are hon-ored
to print below.
They gave their tomorrows for our todays
We visited their graves in memory of all they
sacrificed and to say " Thank You "
Once Decoration Day, is now Memorial Day.
Flags fly row on row to honor all those brave souls.
They gave so much, each who served
Do we remember?
Let not all they gave and those still serving,
be lost or forgotten.
Keep their sacrifices imbedded in hearts and minds.
Valor, honor, sacrifice, flag and country!
Land of the free Because of the Brave!"
Doris Steimer
REMEMBER THEM ON MEMORIAL DAY!
SALUTE THEM EVERYDAY!
BETHPAGEWAS
READY TO RELAY!!!
Bethpage Community Raises Over $ 77,000for American Cancer Society
The Bethpage community braved threatening skies to support the fight against
cancer during this year's Relay for Life fundraiser held on the Bethpage High
School field overnight from Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 17. More than
$ 77,000 was raised through the event itself as well as associated fundraisers,
including a car wash, plant sale, auction, and flea market.
Relay for Life brings community members together to camp out overnight and
take laps around the quarter- mile track to raise awareness for the fight against
cancer, raise money for research, remember those who have lost their lives to the
disease, and celebrate those who have survived it.
Judy and Kevin Wichter spearheaded the effort with the local Relay for Life
Committee. Bethpage Guidance Counselor Jennifer Payne was instrumental in the
logistical coordination. Bethpage Water Commissioner Gary Bretton served as the
emcee. Nassau County Legislator Ed Mangano, Town of Oyster Bay
Councilwoman Rose Walker and Town Clerk Steve Labriola were on hand to help
kick off the event, which began with a survivor lap, followed by a caregiver lap.
Later in the evening, Bethpage High School Assistant Principal Kevin Healy per-formed
the bagpipes to commence the cummemorative lighting of the lumir ries
in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to cancer and those who con-tinue
the fight.
Many Bethpage students, community members and local organizations were
on hand to participate in the relay and provide support. The Bethpage Fire
Department was on hand throughout the evening as well. See more pictures i: de
the centerfold as well as an important thank you letter from Relay Co- chairpef^'
sons, Judy Wichter and Patty Donohue Brown