Dear Editor, While working at the Garlic Fest Which I did just
last year I was selling tickets And checking ID’s for beer
Dear Editor,
While working at the Garlic Fest
Which I did just last year
I was selling tickets
And checking ID’s for beer
At the ticket booth
There was a recurring question
Of which I’ll share with you
And propose my own suggestion
I was asked by many families
Of those who proudly serve
In our various Armed Forces
For something, they truly deserve
A family discount was what
They asked for my reply
And I felt so deeply sorry
When their request, we then did deny
For those in the service
Who are risking life and limb
It seemed so very wrong
To be denying, all of them
So maybe in the future
We must change the fee
For our valiant heroes
Who are protecting you and me
I don’t know who to ask
At the “Garlic Festival Association”
To take on this noble task
To show our true appreciation
But I’m sure, they’ll figure it out
By the end of next July
When this question is asked
A new price, will surely apply
Tom Engegretson, Gilroy
Great American Smokeout this Thursday – now’s the time to quit
Dear Editor,
This Thursday marks the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout – a day that encourages smokers to quit and non-smokers not to start.
Tobacco remains the leading cause of death nationwide, and accounts for one out of three cancer deaths in California annually.
Today, an estimated 45 million U.S. adults smoke despite the associated health risks.
If you know someone who wants to quit smoking, the Great American Smokeout is the perfect time to remind them that the American Cancer Society has resources such as cancer.org/smokeout and the toll-free number, 1-800-227-2345. Both are accessible 24/7 to help smokers manage a plan to quit.
Don’t forget this week to thank a U.S. Marine for heroic service
Dear Editor,
This week on Nov. 11, we recognize with pride our military veterans.
Unfortunately we are deeply saddened by the tragic events at Ft. Hood. However, it was gratifying to learn of the attitudes and trained response of those young soldiers and police as they instinctively protected and cared for their “battle buddies.”
These are our future veterans who heroically performed in every measure as many of our older veterans during their years of service.
There is another date this week that bears remembrance. That is the 234th anniversary of the founding of the U. S. Marine Corps on Nov. 10, 1775 at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia.
During my career in the Navy Engineer Corps, I was privileged to complete assignments at Quantico and Camp Pendleton Marine Bases and subsequently to work with Marine units at Da Nang, RVN. It has been customary for members of the Navy Seabees and the officers of the U. S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps to call attention to the Marine Corps birthday in recognition of the storied (Oh, those stories!) association of the Seabees and the Marines during the long ago, but not forgotten, WWII in the Pacific area.
I urge everyone to “Thank a Marine” in recognition of their long and heroic history in the service of our beloved country.
Remember that Once a Marine – Always a Marine and that includes devoted members of their families. The Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis” is a constant source of inspiration to all.
Paul V. Kloecker, Gilroy
