DISRESPECT: For shame on holiday

Apparently there are a few people who do not know the meaning of Memorial Day. I attended the memorial service at the Third Street Bell. A couple in an SUV towing a boat approached entry to the lake. A young man exited the vehicle and in a very loud voice was talking to the booth attendant. This young man was extremely rude by speaking so loudly that everyone there was turning and looking at him. He re-entered his vehicle and proceeded to the water. Once the service at the bell was complete, everyone walked down to the water for the wreath presentation to the lake. There they were, putting their boat into the water. The wreath was tossed, a 21-gun salute, Taps played, everyone around stood in silence, hats removed, hands over hearts and some saluted. These two young people continue to fiddle with their boat.

Couldn't you have taken a few minutes of your precious time to stand in silence like everyone else? Do you know who we were honoring? Maybe not. Maybe it was one of your family members like all the thousands of other military who gave their lives so that you could have that boat.

Do yourself a favor, take a few minutes and read what the true meaning of Memorial Day is. Maybe in the future you will learn to respect what these gallant and brave people did for you. Thank you if you were one of the few who did stop to show respect.

PAULETTE GAFFNEY

Coeur d'Alene