Residents take a day to salute and honor veterans

SUSSEX COUNTY-Although Monday was seen by many local residents as a "wash out" because of rain showers that lingered over Sussex County and stopped many outdoor picnics, for some, the true meaning of Memorial Day was not lost. Before the rains began, at a little past 9 a.m., Doris Kalafut of Ogdensburg visited the First Presbyterian Church off of Main Street in Sparta to pay her respects to lost family members. She visited many, but the greatest reason for her arrival was to remember her former husband, Michael P. Kalafut, a World War II and Korean War veteran. Michael, who was wounded in Korea and eventually retired from the military believed in the importance of America's soldiers. "He grew up with a great deal of military devotion," said Doris. "He was one of eight children, seven of which were in various branches of the armed forces." Doris can remember moving around often because of this devotion, and how she gave birth to a child while they were stationed in Germany. His dedication rubbed off on his own children, one of whom joined the Navy. "This is one day out of the year that we can honor -- in a minute way -- the men and women who have fought for our freedoms," said Doris. "This is the least that we can do." As she checked on flowers she had planted at various headstones, she could not help from being reminded of America's current war efforts overseas, and how she hopes that the current crop of soldiers return home safely. Doris considered her husband lucky for having been able to live a full life. Doris, who was born and raised in Sparta, said that although she understands that everyone will die someday, it is extremely difficult to deal with losses of young people who have not gotten the chance to live their lives to the fullest. She added that often times Americans forget how fortunate they are to live in this country, and how they should be proud of the people who fought to keep it what it is. "I want people to remember our freedoms, and appreciate and be thankful for them," said Doris. "Some countries do not know what freedom is." Less than an hour later approximately one mile away, Sparta's annual Memorial Day Parade kicked off, and hundreds of local residents showed their support to America's soldiers. In addition to township dignitaries and members of the police, fire, and ambulance squads, everybody from Boy Scouts to Miss Sparta showed their backing by either driving or marching in the ensemble. As is traditional, immediately following the ceremony, the Sparta Ski-Haws performed on Lake Mohawk to a large number of spectators before the rain clouds arrived.