By Edita McQuary
Today many people think Memorial Day is just another day off work and another shopping day.
But to some of us, especially those of us born in World War W II war-torn Europe and lucky to be naturalized American citizens, it means a lot more.
This memorial, at the intersection of Freedom Boulevard and Highway 1, was erected by the Santa Cruz Chapter D.A.R. Christmas 1923 in memory of the sons and daughters of Santa Cruz County who perished in the 1914-1918 World War.
We remember the bravery of those young men and women who accepted the call to save almost all of Europe by doing away with a ruthless dictator who had killed millions of people. We see films of D-Day and thousands of young Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders storming the beaches of Normandy, France, and so many losing their lives in the attempt!
We think about how families in America were doing their part to help win the war and how the people of this country pulled together to support their armed forces’ efforts.
This World War I memorial is on Freedom Blvd.
I was recently surprised to find online the draft registration form that my father-in-law, at the time 39 years old, had filled out. Imagine — a man, the sole support of three young children and a wife who did not work outside the home having to register for the draft! Fortunately, he did not have to serve but I’m sure he would have done his duty if he had been called up. That was the way things were done in those days.
Since then, there have been many more wars and many lives lost. It is good to take a moment to remember and thank in our hearts all who sacrificed their lives so we can have freedom and live in peace.
Another World War II Memorial in Watsonville