THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, November 15, 2019 Page 9 A reader’s perspective The Strength of a Veteran (Editor’s Note: Saugus resident Joanie Allbee has developed a special attachment to military veterans since her childhood days, as the daughter of a Purple Heart Recipient. “I heard stories about war that no 12-yearold should ever have to hear,” she said, recalling the shrapnel scars he carried. She learned firsthand about the suffering these Veterans go through and their night terrors. Allbee is a member of the National DAV Auxiliary. She was a Saugus resident many years ago and moved back here after a 2006 Alaska Military detail when she was an Active Duty Soldiers wife. She used to give haircuts to veterans at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home. Years ago she was married to an officer in the Coast Guard and they lived on Base between Navy Base and Coast Guard Base. “I’d feel compassion for the new Seals when I was walking the track and saw them training,” she recalled. This week, she was handing out “thank you” cards to forgotten veterans. Allbee requested to write this essay for The Saugus Advocate as a tribute to veterans.) I n the times of gentle peaceful lulls of our Lives as we feel too busy to come out and honor our Veterans this day, Let us truly keep in mind the sacrifices of those who made all this possible. We are free today because of those brave souls who came behind us fighting for our freedom. Often in most scenarios it was the drafting of our innocent youth and volunteers sign ups that created lines of Mother’s babies going off to foreign countries. All they knew was enemies at those times were after our freedoms, knowing they may never see families again, off they proceeded into the unknown lands as they bravely soared. Some with friends who gave their lives. Yet, they still marched on never wavering...to fight for America, some lonely, never quite knowing what’s next or where or will they get to the next foxhole in time...often they came back home to us full of physical and psychologFor all the Veterans I had/ have the honor and privilege of knowing, never once did I hear any complaints, which convincingly, points to men and women of another breed who “adjust, improvise adapt and overcome” as the Military slogan goes. For this we salute with gratitude and thankful hearts our Men and Women who fought for us to keep us safe and America free! Thankyou Veterans with all my heart! Would you like to see a solemn face smile on a Gentleman or Lady who fought for your freedom? Express “THANKYOU for your service!” Thank you and a shout out UNWAVERING RESPECT FOR THE VETS: Local artist and nature lover Joanie Allbee. (Saugus Advocate file photo) ical wounds too deep to comprehend. The boy who used to long in his heart to score touchdowns and run marathons was now a man forced to learn to cope with lost limbs...another soul with deep scars from shrapnel entwined with latent difficulties. to all those fabulous restaurants who were thoughtful and grateful and gave free meals to our Veterans Nov 11! Daddy, with your Purple Heart medal, this one’s for you! May you rest in peace. Respectfully and with gratitude, Joanie Allbee WE WORK FOR YOU! * Have your car repaired by Real Manufacturer Certiified Technicians * An I-CAR GOLD CLASS SHOP Highest Certificate in the Repair Industry * Premier Insurance Co. Collision Repair Shop for Geico, Liberty Mutual, Metlife, Progressive and more! * Over 30 Years of putting families back on the Road Safe & Fast! * ATLAS Stands Behind All Repairs with a Limited Lifetime Warranty 1605 North Shore Road, Revere * 781-284-1200 Visit us at: www.AtlasAutobody.com or call (781) 284-1200 to schedule your appointment today!
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