Time is passing quickly, and the American Legion - Memorial Day Parade is coming up already...Monday, May 30th. The parade kicks off at 9:30 am. It launches from the Office Lounge parking lot, and proceeds down Main Street, and then turns on to Washington Street.
Now, honestly, this isn't the biggest or best parade you'll see, but in my mind, this, along with the Veteran's Day Parade, is the most important of the year.
The parade has plenty of bands, fire trucks, old cars, and more. However,the big feature is, of course, the military vets, police, and fireman that march in the parade. These are the men and women who sacrificed their time, energy, and well-being so that we can enjoy a safe, free life.
And on Memorial Day we remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of them are in their final resting places in Europe and Asia, and some were never accounted for.
Day in and day out, we go about our business -- freely, happily, in an land of plenty. And we can do so because of the courageous people that have served for us and have kept us free. PLEASE SHOW UP AT THE PARADE -- SET ASIDE ONE HOUR TO HONOR THOSE THAT HAVE MADE YOUR GOOD LIFE POSSIBLE. At least that's my view...you may feel differently, and that's ok...you are FREE to do so.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
In Defense of Bennies, Shoobies & Such
Ok...I can almost hear the chant starting now..."Bennies Go Home." Yes, it's almost that time of year again, when we "welcome" visitors from all over the tri-state area. We hate the extra traffic, the crowds, and sometimes even the looks, attitudes, and clothing of the people coming here. By mid-July, we've all lost our patience, and we can't wait to get our towns and beaches back!
Of course it's cool to be proud to be a local, but should we really tell our seasonal visitors to turn around and go back up the Parkway? First and foremost, we need their tourist dollars. Many of the businesses around here would go under if we didn't have the summer influx of visitors. And that's especially true now, with the economy being so weak. Like it or not, we need the Bennies here to keep the money flowing into our pockets.
Also, be honest....even though we complain about them, isn't it kind of fun to see all of the interesting characters that hit the beaches and boardwalk? Just sit on a bench on the Seaside boardwalk for awhile, and you'll have a great time people-watching. Remember, these "Bennies" come here because they like what we have...the beaches, the bars, the food, the boardwalk. And like it or not, they are part of what makes the whole thing work.
Of course it's cool to be proud to be a local, but should we really tell our seasonal visitors to turn around and go back up the Parkway? First and foremost, we need their tourist dollars. Many of the businesses around here would go under if we didn't have the summer influx of visitors. And that's especially true now, with the economy being so weak. Like it or not, we need the Bennies here to keep the money flowing into our pockets.
Also, be honest....even though we complain about them, isn't it kind of fun to see all of the interesting characters that hit the beaches and boardwalk? Just sit on a bench on the Seaside boardwalk for awhile, and you'll have a great time people-watching. Remember, these "Bennies" come here because they like what we have...the beaches, the bars, the food, the boardwalk. And like it or not, they are part of what makes the whole thing work.
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