Memorial Day Commemorated

[quote]By Ward 5 Councilmember Richard Fimbres[/quote]

Our nation on Monday, May 31, marked Memorial Day, the day we remember those men and women of the military who sacrificed their lives for this country.

As a 27 ½ year veteran of the active, U.S. Army, the Army Reserves and Army National Guard, I hold this day near and dear to my heart. This holiday began after the Civil War in 1868 as Decoration Day, marked on the last Monday in May. It became a federal holiday in 1971.

For the past four years, on Memorial Day, as well as Veteran’s Day, my office has collaborated with schools from the Sunnyside School District and Tucson Unified School District, to create thank you cards and letters for veterans who are at the V.A. Hospital, which is located in Ward 5.

I along with a contingent of elected officials on Friday, May 27, went to the Southern Arizona V.A. Hospital and presented the cards and letters to thank those veterans for their service.

I want to thank the following schools for their efforts for Memorial Day: Los Amigos Technology, Sierra Middle School, Cavett Elementary, Hollinger Elementary, C.E. Rose, Warren, Kelling, Holladay Magnet, Drachman Montessori, Dodge, Doolen Middle School, Mansfield Middle School and Mary Belle McCorkle.

The Veterans Prayer:
“Dear Lord, Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country. We pray that you will bless them, Lord, for their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our country’s heritage, for all of us.

“Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced, for the sacrifices they made
for their many different contributions to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression.
We respect them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them, and we pray that you will watch over these special people and bless them with peace and happiness. In Jesus’ name we pray; Amen.

“Today, let us remember all of the veterans that sacrificed so much to keep our country safe. God bless all of our troops and may He watch over them forever.”