A Memorial Day Gathering

By Janice K. Jarosz

It was a beautiful day to honor those who sacrificed so much for our freedom. The weather was just about the best and many planned cookouts brought families and friends together, and I had the pleasure of enjoying the afternoon with family members and their guests.

We all sat together at a huge round table, making it very convenient to pass all the delightful appetizers to start off with, followed by plates full of steak tips, hamburgers, hot dogs, scallops, salads and all the fixings. Conversation centered around “please pass the hamburgers” along with funny endearing terms for one another. Everyone enjoyed just being together – laughing and sharing funny little comments.

At one point during this delightful afternoon, someone said, “Aren’t we lucky today – living in the USA.” I do not remember who said it, but being so impressed with such a statement, I asked if I could go to each one for their comments on Memorial Day.

Colin Moloney was the first to answer: “It’s because we can live in a free country.”

Melanie Leonard told us that her dad and uncle served in the Navy. “Our family is so proud of them.”

Arias Salay shared his story about his parents who left the Kurdish area near Northern Iraq and came to America on 9/11. “My family fought against ISIS. I am so grateful to live in this country where so many fought and died for our freedom.”

Traverse Pagliarulo: “My grandfather Tom Sheehan fought in the Korean War. He still wears a scarf around his neck to prevent the frostbite he had back then. Sounds crazy but that is what he does. Before the war, he was the best Saugus High School football player ever.”

Rachel Shea commented on what Memorial Day meant and how we should remember and thank those who gave their lives for us. “God bless America.”

Tommy Jarosz told his friends that his grandfather was a soldier in the Korean War and a dozen great uncles served in World War II. “We live in the best country in the world.”

Although the weather, the dinner and the company were wonderful, the best part of all was listening to those very young patriots.