Teaching the younger generation the importance of freedom and its price is a key reason to observe Memorial Day, said author and World War II veteran Paul Grassey as he gave an inspirational speech during Monday's Memorial Day celebration, held in the Averitt Center's Emma Kelly Theater. The annual observance, hosted by the American Legion Dexter Allen Post 90, drew a packed house as citizens enjoyed patriotic music, poetry and more. Grassey, 91, who flew B-24 bombers in World War II, grew up in New Jersey.