Dear Editor:
In 1998 the Guttenberg Memorial Day Committee was formed to honor those who gave their lives in service to our great country. Because Guttenberg is small it has always had a personal flavor for those who have lived here. The idea for a committee was conceived after it was realized that this tiny town had lost over 30 men in World War II alone. This is a staggering number in relation to the population. Families of the men who died in WWII still reside in or near Guttenberg and it was and always will be important that Guttenberg’s heroes never are forgotten. If the committee has any say they will not be forgotten. Instead, they will be remembered, revered and forever praised for making the ultimate sacrifice that guarantees the freedoms you enjoy to this very day.
The committee’s first Memorial Day celebration was in May 1999. It was a tremendous weekend of activities designed to educate, entertain and remind everyone why we enjoy life as we do each day. The committee brings in guest speakers, displays historic items and with full cooperation and participation from the town’s lone school educates the students.
The committee has been comprised of current and former residents who are not getting any younger. To assure that the work this committee has begun continues without interruption through the coming years it is mandatory to recruit new committee members. As such, today the committee is actively seeking new members who believe that a town’s history is important, that honoring those who gave their lives for you and I is the ultimate sacrifice and that you want to be part of a committee that will preserve the past and enrich the future.
If you were or still are a resident of Guttenberg and have an interest and desire to become involved with a committee whose goals are honorable and worthy please contact Larry Giancola at 201-868-3609 or Joanne Martin at 201-868-5570. On behalf of our committee and those we continue to honor I want to thank you for your consideration in joining the committee.
Last, but certainly not least, I invite everyone to join in Guttenberg’s Memorial Day activities coming very soon. Look for advertising on the events of this important weekend which culminates with the May 27th Memorial Day Parade.
Bob Faro