Some years ago, a frequently cantankerous veteran of my acquaintance puffed away on his nth cigarette of the day and complained to me that the younger generation does not appreciate the sacrifices of his cohort. Not an American flag in sight from his recliner on that Memorial Day, he observed. I told him that I was sure he was mistaken; that I could not name a community that didn't have some manner of commemoration and that, indeed, my hometown of Levittown had a considerable parade every year wherein people of all ages and walks-of-life attended. Perhaps, I suggested, as he saw Memorial Day in the breech rather than in the observance (to mangle Shakespeare), that such a yearly commemoration would be more noticeable to him if the parade organizers were to reroute said event to meander through his living room between the La-Z-Boy and the 25" RCA. It always amazes me how older people who didn't have TVs when growing-up are nevertheless drawn to its addictive charms (the more benign of my friend's addictions to be sure). I don't have anything against TV except when it renders one oblivious to a world just a stone's throw away from our door. And there is a big world out there in which everyone could do something to make his/her community a better place in which to live. Levittowners have always been doers and joiners; exhibiting the volunteerism that Alexis de Tocqueville felt was what made America the greatest nation on Earth. To give credit due to all the individuals, let alone the organizations, that have made Levittown the American Dream would be impossible. But I would like to point out one person whom the Levittown Historical Society will be honoring on Nov. 17 at the Levittown Public Library at 7:30 p.m. That man is James Edmondson. Mr. Edmondson was a youth recreational director back in 1964 when the Youth Direction Council was formed in Levittown to head teenage delinquency off at the pass. Now known as YOM (Yours, Ours, and Mine), the council under Mr. Edmondson has blossomed into one of this community's most important institutions - and a role model for surrounding towns as well. The services provided by YOM - from day care to senior citizen services to youth counseling and anti-drug programs - are of a value and import that would be difficult to overestimate. Guns, drugs, divorced parents, gangsta rap, school shootings, and cyberporn are increasingly poisoning the lives of young Americans. While it's true that Levittown has avoided the lion's share of these social evils and, in many respects, continues to be the embodiment of the American Dream, it's also true that this is not 1953. Without organizations like YOM, and citizens like James Edmondson, Levittown would be a much poorer place. Persons wishing to learn more about Mr. Edmondson's host, the Levittown Historical Society, should call us at 735-9060, visit us on the web at www.levittownhistoricalsociety.org, or come check out the Levittown Museum at the Levittown Memorial Education Center at Ranch and Abby Lanes.