Vets’ reception heart-warming

I witnessed something amazing during the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on May 15.

I had the privilege of being in the parade with World War II veterans who recently participated in the Honor Flight program. It was absolutely unbelievable to see the response they received from wave after wave of people throughout the parade route. The vets in the truck I was in were very moved and were beaming with pride and gratitude.

I heard from other participants in other military vehicles with war veterans that their reception was the same. To see so many people stand, clap, cheer, salute (including toddlers) and yell “Thank you” to these incredibly deserving people strengthened my faith that we live in an incredible country and that the great majority of people honor our military veterans and truly understand that “freedom is not free.”

This Memorial Day weekend, take a moment to reflect on what the day is truly about and thank a veteran or visit the grave of a brave American who made the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us do not have to.

Tony Lamanna

Spokane