Fallen Heroes

Memorial Day Weekend is typically that filled with barbecues, parties, and laid-back fun. It is a time when most people seem to find a way to relax while they ring in the beginning of the summer season. Many have three-day weekends from the hustle and bustle of the workplace so they stay up a little later and party a little harder because of that extra day at the end to recuperate. Memorial Day is often used as an excuse to get the extended family together, perhaps have a back-yard boccie-ball tournament, grill out some food, listen to some music, chat about whatever seems interesting.

However, if it has not been part of your yearly tradition in the past, I strongly urge you to take a moment to remember why we get to have this weekend to begin with. Amidst all the parties and fun, please step a side for and say a prayer (or have a moment of silence) for all of those brave men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice to make these gatherings possible. The history of how this country has formed into one of civil liberties and rights is full of blood-shed and sorrow. I am not a political woman, nor do I intend to turn this into a political conversation, as I know there are various opinions of the right and wrong decisions that this country has made to get us where we are today. All I know is that throughout history, while many of us have been able to enjoy and have fun over Memorial Day Weekend, there have always been families who have had to use it as a reminder of the lost of a loved one, whether in recent times, or decades ago. You can argue whether the reasons for this is justified, but you can't argue the unbearable grief of the mothers who have buried their children, or the sadness for unborn children who will never meet their fathers. Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers throughout your weekend ordeals.

I want to extend my sincerest sympathies to the Gutowski family who lost 24-year-old Steven this past September in Afghanistan. The Gutowski clan is a family from Plymouth and I have known them for years via our common interest in bowling at Alley Kat Lane in Kingston. I can't say that I knew Steven well, but I do remember every interaction that I had with him was filled with kindness and humor.  He was a dedicated and brave soldier who will never be forgotten....

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=steven-e-gutowski&pid=154005628