To the Editor:

Later this year there will be great celebrations of local hometowns: Wilmington’s Old Home Week and Dover’s Bicentennial.

As I reflected on these events I realized how important the connection to “home” is for those of us who chose to serve our country in the military. The phrase “keep the home fires burning” becomes real when someone is deployed overseas. This year’s theme for the Memorial Day program is “The Importance of Home.”

Memorial Day is meant to be somber as we honor those who gave their lives, and remember veterans who came home, but have now passed away. It’s a brief chance to say thank you for protecting us at home, and to be grateful.

The American Legion Nelson E. Pickwell Post #15 invites the public to join us for the annual Memorial Day program on Monday, May 31, at 10 am in downtown Wilmington’s Memorial Hall. All are welcome. The parade will follow the program just after 11 am.

For information or questions, please call me at (802) 368-7562; Susie Haughwout, (802) 464-5836, (802) 464-5599, or suejoyvt@sover.net; or Wendy Pratt, (802) 368-7207.

Sincerely,

Mike Linnehan

Commander, American Legion Nelson E. Pickwell Post #15

Whitingham