Speaking
of Sports 

by
Bernie Fratto

 
The freedom to
cheer for the
Green and White

May 4, 2011

The recent capture of Bin Laden reminded me of the significant military contributions made by Wildcat alumni as we head toward Memorial Day weekend. While I hesitate to name names of the brave young Novi residents that are part of our armed forces, for fear that I will leave out any names, I do have one notable example that will always stick out in my mind.

Novi HS 2001 graduate Casimir Werda became a member of the US Army in mid-2005. Just five years earlier, he was helping Coach Tab Kellepourey's football team to their first District Playoff win over Portage Northern.

But while serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade combat team in Iraq, Werda was injured when an ICD exploded on a direct hit to the Hum-Vee that he was driving.

Werda suffered severe injuries to his face, and was blinded as a result of a piece of shrapnel that had shattered his cheek bone and entered his right eye. That however, has not stopped Werda from leading a productive life, and although he was dealt a bad hand, in much the way he conducted himself as a warrior while a member of the Green and White he served his country with honor and distinction on the battlefield.

Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner. The capture of Bin Laden reminds us this is the greatest country in the world, and when we put our minds to it, we can accomplish anything individually, and collectively.

So as we root for our sons and daughters as they march toward another round of District Playoff action, and as we root for the Red Wings to deliver another Stanley Cup, take a moment to reflect upon the fact that we enjoy these freedoms thanks in great part, to the unsung efforts of Wildcat Alumni like Casimir Werda.

Go Green, Go White.

In the USA, and especially in Novi, this is the land of the free... because of the brave.

Go Red, White, and Blue!

(c) 2011 Novi Information Network
www.novi.org

Lance J. Lilla's regular column appears here most Mondays, except over summer break.