Karl's Kolumn

SEE YOU AT THE HARTFORD STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL… this weekend. A sweet time can be had this weekend in Hartford. Make sure you stop by for this happy hometown event. See the story in this week’s Record for details of the many attractions.

JUNE 6, 1944… is a special day in our history. It is the day that Americans, with their allies, stormed the beaches of Normandy, France to drive Hitler back to his hole in Germany.

Tens of thousands died that day, as just as many were wounded. It was the beginning of the end for the Nazis who had slaughtered and enslaved millions. A scant nine months later the Nazis surrendered and the war in Europe was over. The Fuhrer and many of his cronies chose the coward’s way out and took their own lives, more were hanged, and others imprisoned for the war crimes they committed against humanity.

At the same time, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The days were long, as the nights were short. The light of those days 70 years ago is dimming as more of our heroes are passing away. If you are blessed to know a WWII Veteran, give them a salute and thank them for their lifetime of service. I say lifetime because no veteran of war, even those that escaped injury, are free of the horrors of those days. They are forever marred by the days lost in battle and memories of comrades who never came home.

TOP POP… is back by popular demand. Every year the Tri-City Record readers have the opportunity to tell everyone who is there “Top Pop.” Send in your letter nominating your “Top Pop.” See contest rules on Page 4.

YOU BETTER SCOOT… out of the way or you may get run over by a person on a scooter or bicycle on the downtown sidewalks. One day last week while leaving the office I opened the door and took a step out only to be met with a person on a scooter. Although it looked like a good way to get around town quickly, I wondered how many people faced the same potential collision. I stopped and he swerved and no one was hurt.

Years ago while active in the DDA we took the “No Bikes or Skateboard” on the sidewalk pretty seriously. Even going as far as painting those words on the sidewalks. Nowadays I feel like we have bigger fish to fry than policing the bike riders. Just be careful everyone!

SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN… is coming back. Look for the new updated format and beneficial information on these pages starting in July.