4 • May 22-23, 2020 OPINION By Gary Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull The purpose of the original Memorial Day was to honor those who died in the Civil War. Today it’s remembering and honoring all who have been killed in the service of our country. Is there a better way to do that than to honor and remember their living “comrades,” those men and women who have and are currently honorably serving in America’s Armed Forces? Kim Rohde Publisher (417) 872-2951 lkimrohde@yahoo.com Brenda Meadows Editor & Staff Writer (417) 231-7601 info@BransonGlobe.com David Stoltz News Correspondent (228) 355-2900 itcdls@gmail.com Gary Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull Opinion Writer Rob Doherty Account Representative & Distribution Manager (504) 583-8907 robd@bransonglobe.com Karen Halfpop Digital/Production Director production@ BransonGlobe.com Submit a letter to the editor: Letters to the editor that are sent via e-mail and are fewer than 400 words are given preference. Published or unpublished letters become the property of the newspaper and will not be returned. All letters must include name, address, and verifiable phone number. Someone a lot wiser than an Ole Seagull said, “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” Since our country’s earliest days, America’s Armed Forces, and their families, have paid the price for the privileges and freedoms we all enjoy and sometimes take for granted. Memorial Day offers a unique opportunity to reflect upon that price and honor those who have paid it. The very act of going into the Armed Forces puts one’s life at risk. Immediately upon being “sworn in,” members of the Armed Forces have given control of their lives to their military and governmental leaders. It is a control that is absolute and, from an honor point of view, irrevocable. That control could be exercised in various ways. In combat, it could be through an order “to take that hill,” in the face of withering machine gun or mortar fire, to patrol a neighborhood in Baghdad, or to assault a terrorist stronghold in Afghanistan. In a non-combat support position, it could be an order to serve in a supply depot, training facility, or hospital thousands Gary Groman. (FILE) of miles away from the battle. Regardless of where or how one serves, the risk to their life is an inherent part of the oath they swore. Special to Branson Globe As businesses in Taney County begin to reopen, the Taney County Health Department (TCHD) reminds residents and visitors to continue to help fight COVID-19 by exercising social responsibility. Wearing face coverings while in public, maintaining physical distancing, and staying home when sick are all ways to protect yourself and those around you. Every resident and visitor has a responsibility to protect the health of Taney County. “Our community has taken precautionary measures during this time,” States Lisa Marshall, Director of TCHD. “This is largely why History records it’s the politicians, and those in power, who start wars and that it is the men and women of their Armed Forces and their families who pay the price of those wars. It is a price paid in separation, stress, blood, suffering, anguish, physical and mental injury, and sometimes death. Theirs is not to judge whether the politicians and powerful are risking their lives in a noble or just cause. Theirs is to do their sworn duty. Some have served in conflicts that were “popular” such as World Wars I and II and Desert Storm. Others in conflicts that were not as “popular,” such as Korea and Vietnam. Through it all, however, the men and women of America’s Armed Forces and their families have done their duty, sacrificed, and given unstintingly of themselves. COVID-19 cases in Taney County continue to hold steady. The community has jumped on board and is doing the right things to stop the spread, we need their help to keep our community healthy.” To continue to keep these numbers low, the health department is reminding community members that it isour social responsibility to take care of each other and continue to wear masks, wash our hands and keep six feet away from those who don’t reside in our households. “Social responsibility means taking care of each other through our own actions.” Marshall continues, “We are in a holding patBransonGlobe Your source for local news and entertainment info@BransonGlobe.com • Phone: (417) 334-9100 • Fax: (417) 334-3767 • 1447 US Hwy. 248, Suite EE, Branson, MO 65616 BransonGlobe.com bransonglobe.com The Ole Seagull: The true purpose of Memorial Day The eloquent words of William James remind us that “No matter what a man’s frailties otherwise may be, if he be willing to risk death, in the service he has chosen, that fact consecrates him forever.” From our country’s beginning, the members of its Armed Forces and their families have assumed that risk and done their duty. It is they who have ensured that a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” For that, we owe those who have served and are currently serving, in the Armed Forces, our undying gratitude, honor, respect, and support. Not only on Memorial Day but, every day that we, as a nation, enjoy the fruits of their efforts, sacrifices, and service. Keeping Taney County Open is a Social Responsibility tern right now as far as new cases are concerned. The best way to reduce the risk of a spike in positive cases is to take precautionary measures now.” TCHD encourages residents and visitors to call businesses, theaters or restaurants they plan to visit to determine if they are open and instructions on their opening procedures. Toolkits are available at www.taneycohealth.org. For more information contact the Taney County Health Department at 417334-4544, visit our website at www.taneycohealth.org, or like our FaceBook, Instagram and Pinterest pages. @BransonGlobe BransonGlobe @BransonGlobe #Branson Globe
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