Thoughts on Memorial Day, and a Tranquility Community Church thank-you
Pictured is the Tranquility Community Church Cemetery on Memorial Day 2025.
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
For several years, my Memorial Day morning or early afternoon has been spent at the Highland County Veterans Memorial in Hillsboro or at a similar observance elsewhere.
I am always touched by seeing the respect for our nation's fallen service men and women at these observances.
As New York State Sen. Thomas F. O'Mara said this week, "The essence of Memorial Day is to pause in our daily lives and remember the American soldiers who now rest in honored glory in devotion and service to all Americans – to our families, our friends and neighbors, our communities, our state and our nation."
The senator continued, from President Ronald Reagan we heard, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same."
From President John F. Kennedy, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them."
In Hillsboro, veterans like VFW Post 9094 Commander Rick Wilkin, U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant (ret.) Jim Lyle and others shared the true meaning of Memorial Day this morning.
The sacrifices of U.S. service members and their families keep alive America's promise so that people throughout the world will look to her for inspiration. Our servicemen and servicewomen keep America strong, so that other nations will draw courage from her strength.
This evening, as I am apt to do on Memorial Day, I took a ride not far from home to the Tranquility Community Church and Cemetery in Adams County, where my father has been resting since May 1989, and where I ultimately will rest nearby.
The cemetery couldn't have looked better. Those who maintain the cemetery, and local families who decorate the tombstones of veterans and family members are to be commended.
While Memorial Day is set aside to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, there is nothing wrong with also remembering all who have served or are serving to protect and defend our great nation.
Thank you, veterans. May God bless all of you.
Rory Ryan is publisher and owner of The Highland County Press.
Rory Ryan --H. C.P.
A very complete and well worded article rememering our fallen heroes. They were willing to die for the freedoms we enjoy every day, God bless each and every one of them. Mr. Ryan rests in a beautiful and peaceful place!