While we’ve spent a great deal talking about our Independence Day celebration this week, we also need to be mindful of the bigger picture related to the holiday. When we built this great nation, we came together to create something amazing. In the years that followed, we have come together to protect and preserve that incredible creation when we need to.
The local World War II residents we have worked with as we put together this weekend’s ceremony have certainly helped all of us appreciate the true meaning of Independence Day. We enjoyed working with the families of Don Miehls, Ed Dunagan, Frank Romero, Pat Mitchell, Bill Crabb, Bill Fuson and Willard Blair. We also had a great visit with Calvin Strickland and enjoyed thanking him for his service. We had the chance to talk to many other veteran families as we developed this weekend’s ceremony.
The greatest generation was not just defined by what they did during World War 2, but what they did in the years that followed. Under their watch, our country became the world’s greatest example of liberty and democracy. Under their watch, we developed a space program and surged forward in fields such as medicine and robotics. When we look at the list of the local residents who served in World War II, we see leaders and volunteers, hard workers, husbands and grandfathers who dedicated themselves to this community. These steadfast soldiers came home after the war and threw themselves into their country and community, and their dedication will not be forgotten.
Have a very Happy Fourth of July, and let’s never forget the sacrifices and struggles others have put forth to get us to where we need to be. In the meantime, our ceremony will continue at the beach bandshell today- and we hope to see you there.
COVID-19 numbers remain very low for Eddy County. In fact, there were no new COVID-19 positives reported here for Friday. Vaccinations are still being made available for those who want them. In collaboration with the state’s recent removal of most remaining COVID-19 restrictions, Carlsbad Medical Center has modified its visitation policy. Visitation for all units is now permitted from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. – visitors after 8 p.m. need to enter and exit through the emergency department. Visitors will still be asked to wear a mask, practice social distancing and should still not enter if they’ve recently experienced any COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway