NH State Representative Steven Smith

69 years ago today, some very brave people risked their lives to fight for freedom.  The Normandy invasion began on June 6th, 1944.  Those brave soldiers attacked, knowing that the the casualties would be exceptionally high, particularly for the first few waves trying to establish a beach head as Nazi fire rained down on them.  Their courage and refusal to fail carried them to victory.  We should all honor their memory today by taking a few moments to remember the sacrifice, and thank those currently in uniform who may someday be called to establish another beach head to keep the world free.  Thank a veteran today, and remember those who served before.  Remember the bravery of:

U.S. V Corps, U.S. 1st Infantry Division and U.S. 29th Infantry Division
U.S. VII Corps, U.S. 4th Infantry Division
U.S. 101st Airborne Division
U.S. 82nd Airborne Division

and all the other units called in to risk their lives in that historical attack.

My family and I thank all of our veterans.  You are our heroes.

Steve

On Tuesday, June 4th, Claremont Ward 2 voters will make a decision.  I hope that they choose Joe Osgood as their Representative in the NH House.  The Sullivan County Delegation is comprised of all the State Reps. from Sullivan County.  Under Joe’s leadership as Chairman of the Executive Finance Committee, county employees got raises, a new biomass plant was approved, and your county taxes did not go up in the last budget cycle.  This time, we have fewer challenges, yet are facing a 2.9% increase.  We need Joe’s expertise to find a solution to save your money.  As a 6 year member of the NH House Ways and Means Committee, Joe’s budget expertise helped NH live within it’s means.  I could use Joe’s help in Concord, and right here in Sullivan County to help protect your tax dollars.  Please help us all by re-electing Joe Osgood to the NH House.

I once heard someone say, “Happy Memorial Day”.  It struck me as odd, since this is the day on which we honor and remember those that gave their lives defending our country, you know, us.  It shouldn’t be a happy day.  It should be a day filled with reverence, thoughtfulness, and a time to ponder history and the brave souls who made this country possible.  In today’s commercialized society, amidst the hype of Memorial Day sales, the Indy 500, and barbecues… the meaning of the day can get lost.  This is not acceptable.  By all means, enjoy the long weekend.  Our heroes who have passed on would want it that way.  Just please, as you grill your burger, watch the race, and go shopping, take a moment to give thanks to those who have kept us safe, even when they could not save themselves.  In 1986 at Arlington National Cemetery, President Reagan said this:

“I was thinking this morning that across the country children and their parents will be going to the town parade and the young ones will sit on the sidewalks and wave their flags as the band goes by. Later, maybe, they’ll have a cookout or a day at the beach. And that’s good, because today is a day to be with the family and to remember.”

He also mentioned some of those laid to rest there:

“Here in Arlington rests a sharecropper’s son who became a hero to a lonely people. Joe Louis came from nowhere, but he knew how to fight. And he galvanized a nation in the days after Pearl Harbor when he put on the uniform of his country and said, “I know we’ll win because we’re on God’s side.” Audie Murphy is here, Audie Murphy of the wild, wild courage. For what else would you call it when a man bounds to the top of a disabled tank, stops an enemy advance, saves lives, and rallies his men, and all of it single-handedly. When he radioed for artillery support and was asked how close the enemy was to his position, he said, “Wait a minute and I’ll let you speak to them.””

Our war veterans are the greatest of Americans, and on Memorial Day, we will honor and remember them.  Tell someone a story about a veteran, or ask someone if they know any.

Steve