To the Editor:

I am writing you to express my appreciation and gratitude to a woman whose actions and outgoing character are symbolic of the pride all Americans should show our veterans of the Armed Forces. Darlene Stanton has always presented herself as a patriotic American who could not do enough to get the public to recognize the enormous sacrifice and selfless service of our veterans.

She has been active in all forms of flag waving events. From organizing Memorial Day parades, participation by servicemen in Veterans Day parades, Honor Flights, Flag Day events, and many more that I am unable to specifically recount, but have read about in the newspaper over the years.

My Dad is a World War II Navy veteran who saw combat in the South Pacific. His name is Joseph Albright. He is 91. He signed up to serve in 1943 when he was 17 years old. His service to his country was aboard the USS Rocky Mount and later on the USS Adirondack.

Under battle-station conditions, he was a sightsetter on a five-inch gun. That is the diameter measurement of the shell, or I should ay the projectile leaving the barrel of the ship’s cannon.

Dad has many stories of his participation in the Navy during World War II. When Darlene Stanton became aware that my father had not participated in an Honor Fight to see the World War II Memorial in our nation's capital she aggressively engaged him until he agreed to go.

I was an experience I think he’ll never forget. Traveling with other men his age and rediscovering the  meaning of their service and sacrifice for the freedoms of our United States of America reminded him of those days and his youth. Visiting the World War II Memorial also caused him to reflect on the lives of those who did not come home and the sadness that comes with war.

But he was greeted by many with honor and respect, which I am sure boosted his self worth. All the Honor Flight Veterans were acknowledged for their service with a grand ceremony and thanks for their contributions to our great nation.

Just recently, Darlene Stanton invited my dad to participate in the Albany County Veterans’ Recognition Program at the county offices on State Street Hill near the captiol, Dad was honored along with three other veterans from the Korean and Vietnam wars.

We are fortunate that people like Darlene Stanton and others provoke our veterans into the limelight when they tend to be reserved about receiving any recognition. She is representative of the drumbeat that is so important to keeping alive the pride we have in our nation.

Our servicemen and women are deserving of our thanks and respect! I commend Darlene Stanton, and all of those who volunteer their efforts to promote the contributions of the people in our armed forces! You make the rest of us proud to be Americans and unite us! Thank You!

Timothy J. Albright

Meadowdale