Jake Abel – Memorial Day Parade and Thoughts

Dear Neighbor,

On May 31st, I had the privilege to walk in the Radnor Memorial Day Parade with Kristie and the boys. This is an opportunity I will never take for granted.

As you may know, I have spent the last 20 years focused on national security and defense issues. While I never served in the military, I was fortunate to spend part of my career as a civilian intelligence officer for the US Department of Defense where our mission was to protect the war fighter. However, I was also exposed to the realities of war during my visit to the Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany where injured service members are taken out of theater and in the corridors of the Pentagon where seeing the lasting scars became all too common. Hero is a fitting description for any person who wears the uniform.

So, as I walk down Lancaster Avenue and see the Radnor community unite as one, the reason we are there on that Monday morning is always near in my thoughts. To all the men and women who have served this great country, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice – thank you never feels sufficient. We observe your service on Memorial Day, and we honor your service all the days.

We are One Radnor!

Your friend,

Jake Abel