RAINER'S RAMBLINGS
Memorial Day
By RAINER ARNOLD Union Sentinel Publisher

Last Monday I went to the Memorial Day Celebration in Towns County. I was actually impressed that a small community had a pretty good turnout for the Memorial Day Celebration which they hold at their Veteran's Park. And, not that I counted, but it appeared that there were about 200 veterans and other members of the community present.

It was a time to reflect about the veterans that have given their life for their country at various levels of warfare. And right now, as the guest speaker pointed out, Iraq is the focal point. However, that alone should not be the focal point. There are others that made sacrifices. The soldier's family and friends to name just a few. Of course the soldier is faced with death or injury as well as not being able to see his children grow up and his wife give birth.

But most of all on Memorial Day we ought to pay tribute to all of those who have given their time for their country to preserve the way of life that we today are allowed to enjoy. A way of life better than in any other country in the world. And, we owe it all to our soldiers. Our soldiers who have died, our soldiers who have been wounded and our soldiers who have served in any of the branches of the US Military.

Honor Guard presents some reefs at Memorial Service.

Being a veteran of the Vietnam Era I really appreciate Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I appreciate someone speaking out and saying nice things about our military forces and what they have done for this country. After all, I remember the days when it was not so, and I feel many others recall those days as well and thus it is especially refreshing to be appreciated today.

So, to all who have served or suffered to some degree because of a loved one who served, THANKS.