CHS Alumni board members, John R Barton, Alison Sing, and Bernie Moskowitz offer thoughts and music for this year’s Memorial Day, since we are not able to hold the annual ceremony in the CHS Memorial Forest.
Photo credit: Suzi Wong Swint @conwaysuz
A place of honor in our hearts and minds.
“Memorial Day is a day to honor our fallen heroes who lost their lives while serving our country in the United States armed forces. They sacrificed so our country could survive in a world often filled with strife, conflict, and turmoil. We, the citizens of this country, owe them our gratitude, respect, and a place of honor in our hearts and minds. Our fallen heroes lost everything, including their opportunity for marriage, family, career, and the pursuit of happiness – the things we take for granted.
This Memorial Day is different because of the Coronavirus lockdown.
Normally, we would have a ceremony at the Cleveland Memorial Forest with students, alumni, and staff from our high school. Our ceremony would include an honor guard from Camp Murray, Bernie Moskowitz would play taps, and an American flag would be folded by students and presented to a family member of a fallen hero.
In place of our normal ceremony, we’ve put together a special video, as an opportunity for all of us to give pause and honor our special CHS fallen heroes.
We hope you’ll watch, remember, share with others, and may God Bless America.”
John Barton, Class of ’54
Vice President
CHS Alumni Association
Seattle, Washington
Remembering their unselfish sacrifice.
“As I wake up each day to face the challenges of current COVID-19 pandemic; I am thankful to all those men and women who wore our nation’s uniform and gave their ultimate sacrifice so that I can wake up each day to smell the roses, see the sunlight, and breathe the air. Their unselfish sacrifice without even knowing what challenges would face those they left behind engenders the best in all Americans who did not hesitate when their nation called for help. I am deeply proud of all the men and women, individuals who represent all nationalities and beliefs; that the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans must at times come with sacrifice. A sacrifice that those of us who wore the nation’s uniform was willing to give.
Let us honor them who have passed with the dignity that they have earned on our behalf so that we are here today among our families and friends. Let us not forget their families who lost their loved one on Memorial Day. For me, their sacrifice shall never be forgotten.
Although we may not gather to celebrate this special day with parades and fireworks, this is a small sacrifice we must endure. So, take a quiet moment in your home just say, “thank you” for your sacrifice, we shall never forget.”
Alison Sing ‘64
