Column about Freehold Borough tells it just like it is

Kevin Coyne hit the nail on the head ("Pride in Freehold Is Centuries Deep," Your Turn, News Tran-script, March 27). Those of us who were born and raised in Freehold Borough know the real reason and have for years.

I am a 1971 graduate of Freehold High and proud to say that. My mother, aunts, uncles and cousins are also graduates of Freehold High, and we all know what Kevin said is true. These people who have moved to the Freehold area do not want to associate with us because we are not into status, who has the biggest house, etc.

What we are into is community, taking care of our own, and neighbors. I live in New Mexico now, but when I come home to Freehold and go downtown, I run into people who have known me since I was born.

My children love Freehold also and know that people will open their arms to them because that is the way it is. Yes, we have instilled in us the sense of community and treating all equally. I love to go to the firehouse when I am home because it stands for tradition and community.

When the going gets tough, borough people come together and take care of their own. Yeah to the borough and boo to those who do not have what we have. When you think about it, we are the lucky ones, and they are to be pitied for what they are teaching their children. You would think Sept. 11 would have reinforced that we are all Americans and one.

Ann Marie (Lewis) Norby

Rio Rancho, New Mexico