Adrian for Laurel

It was a special moment this past weekend to join in honoring the roughly 75 Maine veterans visiting the DC area through the national Honor Flight program.

The program enables veterans to visit DC-area military monuments, connect with fellow veterans, and be appreciated for their service. Included among the contingent were a 99-year old veteran of World War II, a number of veterans of the Vietnam War, and many others.

Our very own American Legion Post 60 hosted the group for dinner catered by Mission BBQ, at which Laurel High School’s JROTC and St. Mary’s American Heritage Girls Troops helped usher and support as well. To a person, each member of the contingent expressed appreciation for the kindness shown by the hosts.

I was glad also to extend a warm welcome from the City and to share the below reflection:

It is a pleasure and honor for me to welcome you on behalf of the City of Laurel. And thank you also to the American Legion and volunteers who have done us proud by coming out to show you our support.

I haven’t had the honor of military service myself, but it’s always been a point of pride for me that so many of my family members have: my dad, who served as a Marine in the Vietnam War and is a Purple Heart recipient; my mom’s dad, who was Army Corps of Engineers and served in the Korean War; my dad’s father, who served in the Navy in WWII; and my brother, who served in the Army in the late 90s.

Over the last couple days, you’ve visited many of our nation’s monuments in DC – To me, you are living monuments, and we honor you.

I remember as a young kid, our family visiting the Vietnam War memorial wall in DC which had only been recently unveiled – And my dad placing his hand on the wall, where his eyes went to a far away place and time. I was too young to be even able to fathom the realities of war, but in that moment, I knew there was something deeply important to my dad.

The saying goes, ‘freedom isn’t free’, and it’s true. And I want to add to that: ‘freedom isn’t an idea’. It has a face, it has flesh, and it has blood.

You are a reminder of that - Thank you for your sacrifice, and for carrying the banner for America.

The evening was truly a special privilege, and a special memory to have my kids there as well to witness those honored. Be sure to also check out the Voices of Laurel coverage on their Facebook page.