Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 ADVOCATE | FROM PAGE 3 A: I’ve never seen “The Wall.” I’ve never seen any of the monuments in Washington. I’ve been to Washington once – by accident – driving through it. This is a “Bucket List” wish, and I’d like to go. Q: So, what’s the main reason for this being on your “Bucket List”? A: I am going to be 75 in a couple of weeks (May 9) and I’d like to see “The Wall” before it’s too late. Q: Do you have some buddies who you served with whose names are on that wall? A: Oh yes – a few men I served with who died serving their country. One of them was a friend who I grew up with. He was a buddy I had in my teens from Mattapan. The last time I saw him was in March of 1966 on Parris Island. We were having a cigarette together. I was wounded in August of 1967. I was medevaced to Chelsea Naval Hospital and that’s when I found out he was killed. They named a square after him in Mattapan. Q: So, when did you decide you wanted to go on this “Roll to DC” trip? A: I was at the Saugus Veterans Council meeting on Monday, the 7th of March. Jay Pinette, the Veterans Service Offi - cer, presented this at the meeting. I texted my wife to see if I could get permission. “Can I go?” I asked. And she said, “Sure.” And that’s when I made up my mind. Q: What are your expectations of the trip? What do you hope to get out of it? A: Some peace of mind and to show some respect to those whose names are on the wall. I get to touch the names of people I knew and served with. Getting to see them and touch the wall – it’s going to be a special, moving and emotional experience for me. FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: A display case holds the Purple Heart and other medals and military decorations that Lester Markovitz earned as a U.S. Marine and Vietnam War veteran who was wounded in combat. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Q: After your service, did you go to college? A: I went to Boston University on the GI Bill. I attended in 1969, 1970 and 1971, and then I had to leave. Q: Why? A: They treated me very badly – the teachers and the students. I left four courses short of getting my degree. I was totally alienated by teachers and students alike. I just couldn’t go to class anymore. The Marines got badmouthed during those days. So did the Army, but not as much so. The Marines got it more. We were “the Baby killers.” Teachers and students made Vietnam veterans like me feel ostracized. Q: Anything else that you would like to share with our readers? A: If I am fortunate enough to be a part of “Roll to DC.” I want to thank all of those people who made this trip possible for me to go on. I want to thank them very much. This is not a vacation for me: It’s a destination or a pilgrimage. Being a Vietnam combat veteran, I’ve never seen the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I have friends whose names are on that wall. After coming home from the war, I’ve tried to lead a decent life in honor of the memory of the people I served with who gave their lives. And part of this trip is a chance to show respect for those who fought for their country and died. About “Roll to DC” Plans are underway to send about 45 Vietnam Era veterans from Saugus, Melrose and Wakefi eld on an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., this fall so they can get to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The five-dayfour-night bus trip called “Roll to DC” will be held from September 11–15 and will include wreath-laying ceremonies at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Tomb of Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as other stops in the D.C. area. All attendees will be staying at The Presidential Inn at Joint Base Andrews. For the purposes of this trip, the organizers will make no distinction between Veterans who served in-country, in-theater or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. Vietnam Era veterans in Saugus who are interested in applying for the trip, or who would like to obtain additional information about the trip, are asked to contact the Saugus Veterans Offi ce by phone (781-231-4010) or in person on the fi rst fl oor of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central St., Saugus, Mass. Applications will be accepted on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis. Applications cannot be accepted unless they include the following documentation: * Copy of DD-214 * Copy of COVID-19 Vaccination Card (vaccines and booster are required) * Copy of Current/Valid Picture ID/Driver’s License (front & back) * Completed CORI Form (Please note that some of these documents are required in order to enter and stay on Joint Base Andrews.) Saugus Knights of Columbus 57 Appleton Street, Saugus Indoor Flea Market Saturday, April 2 and April 9 8:00 - 4:00 Great deals will be available on collectibles, gifts, Sip & Shop BY JIM MILLER What to Do with Cremated Ashes Scatter them at sea: If Dear Savvy Senior, A while back I saw an article on diff erent ways to scatter a person’s ashes after they’re cremated, but I’ve misplaced it. Can you help me with this? I’m preplanning my funeral and would like to include instructions on what to do with my remains that my family will appreciate. Planning Ahead Dear Planning, There’s no shortage of options when it comes to handling or disposing of your cremated remains after you’re gone. Your family can keep, bury or scatter them in a variety of imaginative ways that refl ect your life and personality. Here are some different options to consider. Scatter them: The most popular option is to have your ashes scattered at a location you loved to be i.e., a favorite fi shing spot, camping area, golf course, beach, park or at home. If you choose this route, keep in mind that some places, such as national parks, require a permit. And many public areas, like parks or sports stadiums may prohibit scattering. Store them at home: Many families choose to keep their loved ones close, by storing them at home. If you and your family choses this option, you can purchase a decorative urn through your funeral provider or online at Amazon. com. Or you may want to use an old cookie jar or favorite container that reminds your family of you. Bury/inter them: The burial option is good if you wish to have a special place for your family to visit. This is also the only option for cremated ashes sanctioned by the Catholic Church, which specifi es that ashes of the dead should be kept in sacred places like a cemetery or a columbarium and not kept at home or scattered. Plant them: If you’re the environmental type, you can have your ashes planted with a tree. There are companies that off er living urns – like TheLivingUrn.com or UrnaBios.com – that mix your ashes with other nutrients that can be used to grow a plant or tree in your yard or a place of your choosing. you love the water, there are many businesses that offer ash scattering services at sea, especially close to coastal areas, or your family could rent a boat and do it themselves. There are also companies like EternalReefs.com that off er reef memorials so your ashes can rest on the ocean fl oor. Scatter them by air: This option will scatter your ashes into the sky so the particles can be taken by the wind. To do this, they could hire a private plane, helicopter or hot air balloon service, or use a balloon scattering service like Mesoloft.com. Or they could even send your ashes into outer space with Celestis.com. Turn them into a record: If you love music, a UK company called Vinlyly (Andvinyly.com) will turn your ashes into a vinyl record. You supply the music (or voice recording) and cover image, and the company creates a memorial that your family can listen to for years to come. Turn them into jewelry or glass: If you love jewelry or glass trinkets, there are companies – like CloseByMeJewelry.com, SpiritPieces.com and ArtFromAshes.com – that will turn your ashes into wearable jewelry or glass art memorials. Go out with a bang: If you’re a hunter or a gun lover, a company called Holy Smoke (MyHolySmoke.com) will create loaded ammunition out of cremated remains. Your family could store the ammo in the engraved wooden box it comes in, or they can send you off in a gun salute. Turn them into art: If you love art, arrange for an artists or family member to paint your portrait, or a picture, with some of your ashes mixed into the paint. Or, if your family is into tattoos, many tattoo artists will mix some ashes with ink to create a memorial tattoo. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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