A patriotic bucket list
To the editor:
I am a 71-year-old, freedom-loving American from Catskill with a bucket list seeking to honor those whose noble efforts have resulting in giving “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” a worthy homeland which has become the envy of the world.
Because “Liberty” should be regarded and revered as America’s greatest national treasure, I’ve made a passionate commitment before becoming extinct to pay tribute to her and to the many who have struggled and sacrifieced throughout the ages to reward us with her sacred blessings. Among my efforts is a poem titled “Every Skyward” written to pay homage to Lady Liberty’s “lamp.” It is also the title of a silhouette-style sign I plan to create, in the year ahead, depicting the Statue of Liberty’s golden-flamed torch being held aloft. Hopefully, when completed, it will proudly stand in a prominent location somewhere in Catskill like “Rip & Wolf” sign that stands alongside the RVW Bridge to welcome folks to an enchanted land. I’ve also written a song titled “The Light of Liberty” to honor our Lady in the Harbor who holds her beacon of hope on high to enlighten the world. With a little luck, I’ll find someone with musical and vocal talents to make a recording of this anthem to the Statue of Liberty.
Presently, I am attempting to pay tribute to the often over-looked and the more often under-appreciated benefactors and saviors of our freedom-enjoying nation. The accompanying poem titled “The Caretakers of Liberty” is my tribute to them, especially military veterans, past and present. It is hoped that this poem will grace the lobby walls of every VA facility across America to recognize and honor them for their freedom-loving, patriotic efforts. This endeavor, however, is providing difficult for this veteran to accomplish at the Albany VA, but I’m not ready to give up the effort.
My thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read this missive and poem — and a special, hats-off thanks and salute to all the noble men and women who have given us this day to enjoy our daily bread — they are the true Caretakers of Liberty and we should be grateful — grateful for the many precious freedoms their exemplary efforts have bestowed upon us — let us, the citizens of this hallowed land, thank them, cherish them, and honor them — they are truly priceless.
A tribute to The Caretakers of Liberty
Cherish America’s hard-won freedoms
They came at a high price
Honor those who struggled and sacrificed
To bestow them upon up
They paid a high price
Stand behind the Caretakers of Liberty
Who continue to protect and defend
America’s precious ideals
Against all who would tread upon them
They are priceless.
Kevin Vincent Kelly
Catskill
