Letters to the Editor 05-20-1997
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Wawasee Goals - Scholarship - Federal Judges - Food Booth - Mason Health Care - Water Bills - Thanks - 4-H Thanks - Equine Seminar Thanks - KCH Auxiliary Thanks - Memorial Day
Wawasee Goals
Editor, Times-Union:Last Tuesday evening an event occurred that probably has never happened in any school corporation, including Wawasee Community School Corporation. Approximately 150 community members gathered at our local high school for a discussion of educational goals and issues pertaining primarily to our local school corporation.
What was unique about this gathering was that we were blessed with the presence of this large group without the catalyst of a highly controversial issue. It usually takes a crisis or something ugly to bring this many patrons to a school sponsored meeting.
The meeting was highly structured and informational. It has caused many people to think about issues that they may not have considered before. In fact, several people commented that they had changed some of their opinions and could see the value of other points supported by other speakers at the gathering.
This board member has an opinion like everyone else, but because of time constraints, I refrained from stepping to the microphone and voicing them. I would like to say that my opinions have also been modified by some of the comments that I heard at this meeting. I would like to take this opportunity to express my views to the public. These are only my personal views and in no way speak for the Wawasee School Board as a whole.
My view falls somewhere between the Literacy Viewpoint and the Economic Viewpoint. I believe that the basics need to be stressed more in the kindergarten through eighth grade years and maybe even in the kindergarten through tenth grade years. The Economic Viewpoint should be stressed in the high school years. For those who are concerned that we will abandon the "whole child social philosophy" expressed in the Social Viewpoint, don't worry. It will always be present to some degree because of requirements from the state and federal level.
I think we need to consciously make an effort to not go overboard in this area. However, I believe the plans that Mr. Stock has for Reading Recovery and other programs will greatly stress the "basics" in our elementary schools thereby changing the landscape in our high school in a few years.
I would also like to clarify some misconceptions that some people have in understanding the Economic Viewpoint. I believe that the people who think that this viewpoint will lead to tracking and to pushing all of our graduates into the "local work force" is not true at all.
The goal of this Economic View is to provide marketable workplace skills that are portable, can be taken with the graduates into any field they desire to explore, and used throughout their entire life. One student expressed a desire to co-op in a couple of areas so that she could experience the "real world" before she went on to a university. This young lady is wise beyond her years. In fact, I was most impressed by the youth that spoke at this forum. I hope that this kind of open dialogue will continue in the future. Thanks to everyone who participated in the forum.
Wawasee School Board member, Michael Kern
Scholarship
Editor, Times-Union:Amy Vanlaningham of Milford died from a Haitian bullet on May 22, 1984. Twenty-five years of age, she was completing her nurse's degree at Goshen College and had been assigned to Haiti for her study-service-trimester. She was returning to her Haitian guest home after having attended an evening Goshen College student meeting when she was shot.
Amy was a committed Christian planning to nurse and assist the poor. She was the type of young lady that every community and church would be proud to claim.
Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hazel Vanlaningham, 1644 E. Mock Road, Milford, established a scholarship at Goshen College for nursing students in Amy's memory. It is given annually to at least one and sometimes two older students who are returning to college to complete their nursing studies and who could not qualify for other types of financial aid. A contribution to this scholarship fund is but one small way to remember Amy and the things she was planning to do in her life.
Berniece H. Dwyer Milford
Federal Judges
Editor, Times-Union:Recently Charlie Reese had a story about a federal judge who supposedly, for no apparent reason, ordered the good taxpayers of Rockford, Ill., to build three new schools. The story was supposed to illustrate how out of hand and irresponsible our federal judges have become. However, Mr. Reese failed to give the details as to why.
It just so happens, when I'm not farming, I drive an ugly antique KW, pull a spread axle covered wagon. At the time of this supposed injustice, I was primarily loading flat and coiled aluminum products for Alcoa in Riverdale, Iowa, and delivering to the Cleveland, Ohio, area, then reloading sometimes for Rockford, Ill. Through the local Rockford paper and others, I became aware of this situation. If I remember correctly, the Rockford public school system had for a number of years denied minority kids of color access to public transportation before and after school; denied minority kids of color access to public school property, before and after school; denied minority kids of color access to extracurricular activities whether sports or scholastic; forced minority kids whose faith was different from that of the majority, or had chosen not to participate in a religion, to participate in religious ceremonies chosen by the majority, etc.
The Department of Education, along with the Department of Justice, went before this federal judge on behalf of the minority kids and an agreement was made with the Rockford school system to build three new schools.
In other words, the Rockford public school system had, for a number of years, demonstrated a blatant pattern of discrimination that cost the good taxpayers of Rockford, Ill., a lot of money.
Additionally, federal employees do much more than take care of parks. Federal judges in particular are our last defense against the tyranny that can result when the will of the people tries to deny the constitutionally protected rights of the minority.
Chuck Zimmerman Leesburg
Food Booth
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to the Times-Union article on the front page of the paper on May 10. First, I would like to thank Dan Spalding for trying to find the truth about why our taco booth was denied access to the Kosciusko County fair. Unfortunately, he was lied to by the fair board. The letter we wrote to the editor never mentioned discrimination or prejudice. However, I do (still) feel that was the reason we were denied.
Our taco booth had a fresh paint job just last year. Perhaps they didn't like the cactus and sombrero painted on the side. Or maybe it was the green, white and red color scheme.
Besides that, when we were at Cinco de Mayo, the chuckwagon booth next to us was not very "attractive" either, but they were accepted. They had a pig painted on the side. They are also from Culver. Not even Kosciusko County.
We never received a request from them in any way, shape or form for us to pay for a lot to park our van. I didn't realize it was necessary to pay extra for handicapped parking. We only asked for a way to get one handicapped person and our supplies to our booth each day. He is on oxygen and cannot walk long distances, let alone carry the supplies to our booth from the parking lot. They never, ever asked us to pay for a parking space. Father Paul has all of the letters they sent us. None of them say anything about paying for parking or renting a lot next to our booth.
Mainly, we were disappointed because of the fact that they accepted our application and deposit, making us believe for over a month that we were accepted. We started making plans. Mandy had several conversations with a lady in the office who told her she didn't think we had any problems getting accepted because we had already been there for three years. The next thing we know, they returned our deposit with a letter stating we were denied. No reasons or explanations. Just denied.
In my opinion, the first four words of the Saturday article say it all: "A Mexican food booth."
We would be more than happy to meet personally with the members of the fair board to discuss any concerns. Just let us know when.
Annett Gutierrez Mandy Vuittonett Coordinators of El Taco Loco for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Mason Health Care
Editor, Times-Union:On July 17, 1985, my mother, Dorothy Baum, entered Mason Health Care as what we thought a temporary resident. In the beginning she was appalled to think she was in a "nursing home." As time went on, she was unable to walk and was permanently confined to a wheelchair. So she became a prmanent resident and decided there could be a fate much worse than Mason Health Care.
I brought her to our home on Sundays, fixed something special to eat to her liking and then spent the day on our screened porch which she loved and looked forward to all summer. But she was always ready to go back home when the day was over.
My mother was so ill for a month before she passed on. During that month, she had such good care. All the staff did everything possible to make her comfortable, to make her terrible nights more tolerable, to make her days more painless.
I spent many hours sitting at the foot of her bed and I saw it all. I saw how tenderly she was cared for. I saw almost everyone working at Mason's go to my mother's bedside and gently pat her hand or kiss her on the forehead and tell her they loved her. On April 25, she passed away. I know she knew she was loved by nurses, aides and residents when she left us.
Keep your loved one with you as long as you can, but when the time comes that you cannot care for them any longer, don't feel guilty about making them a resident of a nursing home. There is so much to be said for professional, 24-hour care by people who care. I have seen 12 years of it. The only guilt of such a move is a family that forgets ] a family that is just too busy to give an hour or two a week to someone they love.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to each and every one at Mason Health Care for the care and the love given to my mother and my children's grandmother.
Marian Longenecker Warsaw
Water Bills
Editor, Times-Union:The Warsaw City Council has passed a new tax by calling it a surcharge on the United Water bill.
The tax amounts to about $60,000 for Warsaw customers and $30,000 for Winona Lake customers. Only about 50 percent of Warsaw and Winona residents are customers of United Water. In addition, all Wayne Township residents outside of city and town limits do not pay. Why should less than 50 percent pay for all fire water protection.
This is just another way to have more money to wastefully spend when the trend all over the country is to lower the taxes. If you would lower your taxes, business, industry and individuals could expand and improve their business and property, which would in turn give you more revenue. I guess you haven't figured that out yet.
While on the subject of Warsaw and Winona Lake, I would like to mention another situation.
When the Pennsylvania Railroad was one of the largest taxpayers, Warsaw claimed all tax money. Now that they don't pay any tax, you have moved your city limit sign to the north side of the tracks, leaving Winona Lake taxpayers to maintain the right of way. Thanks a lot, Warsaw!
Ted Heaton Winona Lake
Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to thank the local businesses who participated in the Active Older Adult Day events at the YMCA on May 14. Thanks to everyone who made this free community event possible.
Stephanie M. Noffsinger Membership Director, YMCA
4-H Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to take this time to thank a group of 4-H'ers for doing a community service for helping with yard work for those needing help. The group's name is Atwood Neverquitters.
Joan Morgan and Jessie Robinson Atwood
Equine Seminar Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made our first Equine Rescue Training Seminar a success. This success was possible in part through our sponsors. Many thanks to our club members and most of all to our participants who came and were willing to learn.
Participants viewed a wide variety of horse trailers and discussed how to extricate the animals, if necessary. Participants had hands-on experience with frightened horses and learned how to improvise with what's available to get them to safety. What they learned may save the life of a horse or, most importantly, their own.
As with all emergency training, we pray we never have to use it, but having been in that situation 20 years ago, it's comforting to know we do have personnel in our area that will know how to proceed.
We are planning to have another seminar in the future, but have not confirmed a date. If anyone has interest in this type of training, please contact Kosciusko County Saddle Club Inc. at P.O. Box 1774, Warsaw, 46581.
Marsha Huffman Vice President of Publicity and Membership Kosciusko County Saddle Club Inc. < 241 2400 2600 4800xhrr>
Saddle Club Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in our second annual Saddle Up for St. Jude Ride. Thanks go to all the sponsors, organizers, workers and participants, and to the media for their support in helping to promote this great cause. Again, thanks to everyone.
Marsha Huffman Vice President of Publicity and Membership Kosciusko County Saddle Club Inc.
KCH Auxiliary Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:KCH Auxiliary wishes to thank the businesses who donated to the salad and dessert bar.
KCH Auxiliary
Memorial Day
Editor, Times-Union:Memorial Day is a time of remembrance and contemplation of what America and its citizens have lost ] and gained. Over the span of this nation's history more than a million citizen soldiers have died in the cause of freedom. We can count the markers, row upon row, where lie the bodies of our fallen heroes, but we can never count the lost dreams, unfulfilled hopes and broken hearts caused by so many taken away in the fullness of their lives.
The words below, written during World War I by the soldier-poet Joyce Kilmer, eloquently speak of the toll war imposes on the young people of a nation.
"In a wood they call the Rouge Bouquet,
There is a new-made grave today,
Built by never a spade nor pick,
Yet covered with earth ten meters thick.
There lie many fighting men,
Dead in their youthful prime.
Never to laugh or love again,
Nor taste the summertime."
Since 1868, when retired U.S. General John A. Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued an order designating this day as one on which the graves of military dead would be decorated, this nation has rightfully paused to remember the precious price of its heritage and to be grateful for those who have been willing to stand firm against the ill winds of tyranny to secure and protect the blessings of liberty.
As we rush to meet the demands of our everyday lives, let us pause for a moment to reflect on what the sacrifice of these American lives means. How many beautiful poems were never written by Sergeant Kilmer, who died from a sniper's bullet while on a voluntary night reconnaissance mission? How many young fathers or mothers never got to experience the simple pleasures of watching their children grow and thrive under the freedoms they fought to protect? How many hopes and dreams that the promise of a future holds were dashed because their holders saw a greater call and nobility in serving their country and fellow man?
This story of lost dreams is repeated a million times and more in VA national cemeteries and other final resting places across America and on foreign soil. Those of us who live in a world of freedom secured by the sacrifices of our best and bravest should always remember and honor them. For in their gallantry and contributions of freedom, they represented the character of our nation. To advance in the face of hostility, to die for a country and people you love, is a gift to be cherished. We cheer the conquering hero. We must never forget those who never returned. We honor our dead best by caring for those who fought with them and today bear the scars and wounds of war.
Let us remember the sacrifices of all those who have served and their families who waited and prayed for their safe return. Let us pay tribute to those no longer with us, but who helped guarantee our way of life. And let us exercise with fervency the rights for which they died.
On this Memorial Day, we offer our prayers of thankfulness and gratitude in remembrance of those who shall never "laugh or love again, nor taste the summertime."
Jesse Brown U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
[[In-content Ad]]
- Wawasee Goals - Scholarship - Federal Judges - Food Booth - Mason Health Care - Water Bills - Thanks - 4-H Thanks - Equine Seminar Thanks - KCH Auxiliary Thanks - Memorial Day
Wawasee Goals
Editor, Times-Union:Last Tuesday evening an event occurred that probably has never happened in any school corporation, including Wawasee Community School Corporation. Approximately 150 community members gathered at our local high school for a discussion of educational goals and issues pertaining primarily to our local school corporation.
What was unique about this gathering was that we were blessed with the presence of this large group without the catalyst of a highly controversial issue. It usually takes a crisis or something ugly to bring this many patrons to a school sponsored meeting.
The meeting was highly structured and informational. It has caused many people to think about issues that they may not have considered before. In fact, several people commented that they had changed some of their opinions and could see the value of other points supported by other speakers at the gathering.
This board member has an opinion like everyone else, but because of time constraints, I refrained from stepping to the microphone and voicing them. I would like to say that my opinions have also been modified by some of the comments that I heard at this meeting. I would like to take this opportunity to express my views to the public. These are only my personal views and in no way speak for the Wawasee School Board as a whole.
My view falls somewhere between the Literacy Viewpoint and the Economic Viewpoint. I believe that the basics need to be stressed more in the kindergarten through eighth grade years and maybe even in the kindergarten through tenth grade years. The Economic Viewpoint should be stressed in the high school years. For those who are concerned that we will abandon the "whole child social philosophy" expressed in the Social Viewpoint, don't worry. It will always be present to some degree because of requirements from the state and federal level.
I think we need to consciously make an effort to not go overboard in this area. However, I believe the plans that Mr. Stock has for Reading Recovery and other programs will greatly stress the "basics" in our elementary schools thereby changing the landscape in our high school in a few years.
I would also like to clarify some misconceptions that some people have in understanding the Economic Viewpoint. I believe that the people who think that this viewpoint will lead to tracking and to pushing all of our graduates into the "local work force" is not true at all.
The goal of this Economic View is to provide marketable workplace skills that are portable, can be taken with the graduates into any field they desire to explore, and used throughout their entire life. One student expressed a desire to co-op in a couple of areas so that she could experience the "real world" before she went on to a university. This young lady is wise beyond her years. In fact, I was most impressed by the youth that spoke at this forum. I hope that this kind of open dialogue will continue in the future. Thanks to everyone who participated in the forum.
Wawasee School Board member, Michael Kern
Scholarship
Editor, Times-Union:Amy Vanlaningham of Milford died from a Haitian bullet on May 22, 1984. Twenty-five years of age, she was completing her nurse's degree at Goshen College and had been assigned to Haiti for her study-service-trimester. She was returning to her Haitian guest home after having attended an evening Goshen College student meeting when she was shot.
Amy was a committed Christian planning to nurse and assist the poor. She was the type of young lady that every community and church would be proud to claim.
Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hazel Vanlaningham, 1644 E. Mock Road, Milford, established a scholarship at Goshen College for nursing students in Amy's memory. It is given annually to at least one and sometimes two older students who are returning to college to complete their nursing studies and who could not qualify for other types of financial aid. A contribution to this scholarship fund is but one small way to remember Amy and the things she was planning to do in her life.
Berniece H. Dwyer Milford
Federal Judges
Editor, Times-Union:Recently Charlie Reese had a story about a federal judge who supposedly, for no apparent reason, ordered the good taxpayers of Rockford, Ill., to build three new schools. The story was supposed to illustrate how out of hand and irresponsible our federal judges have become. However, Mr. Reese failed to give the details as to why.
It just so happens, when I'm not farming, I drive an ugly antique KW, pull a spread axle covered wagon. At the time of this supposed injustice, I was primarily loading flat and coiled aluminum products for Alcoa in Riverdale, Iowa, and delivering to the Cleveland, Ohio, area, then reloading sometimes for Rockford, Ill. Through the local Rockford paper and others, I became aware of this situation. If I remember correctly, the Rockford public school system had for a number of years denied minority kids of color access to public transportation before and after school; denied minority kids of color access to public school property, before and after school; denied minority kids of color access to extracurricular activities whether sports or scholastic; forced minority kids whose faith was different from that of the majority, or had chosen not to participate in a religion, to participate in religious ceremonies chosen by the majority, etc.
The Department of Education, along with the Department of Justice, went before this federal judge on behalf of the minority kids and an agreement was made with the Rockford school system to build three new schools.
In other words, the Rockford public school system had, for a number of years, demonstrated a blatant pattern of discrimination that cost the good taxpayers of Rockford, Ill., a lot of money.
Additionally, federal employees do much more than take care of parks. Federal judges in particular are our last defense against the tyranny that can result when the will of the people tries to deny the constitutionally protected rights of the minority.
Chuck Zimmerman Leesburg
Food Booth
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to the Times-Union article on the front page of the paper on May 10. First, I would like to thank Dan Spalding for trying to find the truth about why our taco booth was denied access to the Kosciusko County fair. Unfortunately, he was lied to by the fair board. The letter we wrote to the editor never mentioned discrimination or prejudice. However, I do (still) feel that was the reason we were denied.
Our taco booth had a fresh paint job just last year. Perhaps they didn't like the cactus and sombrero painted on the side. Or maybe it was the green, white and red color scheme.
Besides that, when we were at Cinco de Mayo, the chuckwagon booth next to us was not very "attractive" either, but they were accepted. They had a pig painted on the side. They are also from Culver. Not even Kosciusko County.
We never received a request from them in any way, shape or form for us to pay for a lot to park our van. I didn't realize it was necessary to pay extra for handicapped parking. We only asked for a way to get one handicapped person and our supplies to our booth each day. He is on oxygen and cannot walk long distances, let alone carry the supplies to our booth from the parking lot. They never, ever asked us to pay for a parking space. Father Paul has all of the letters they sent us. None of them say anything about paying for parking or renting a lot next to our booth.
Mainly, we were disappointed because of the fact that they accepted our application and deposit, making us believe for over a month that we were accepted. We started making plans. Mandy had several conversations with a lady in the office who told her she didn't think we had any problems getting accepted because we had already been there for three years. The next thing we know, they returned our deposit with a letter stating we were denied. No reasons or explanations. Just denied.
In my opinion, the first four words of the Saturday article say it all: "A Mexican food booth."
We would be more than happy to meet personally with the members of the fair board to discuss any concerns. Just let us know when.
Annett Gutierrez Mandy Vuittonett Coordinators of El Taco Loco for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Mason Health Care
Editor, Times-Union:On July 17, 1985, my mother, Dorothy Baum, entered Mason Health Care as what we thought a temporary resident. In the beginning she was appalled to think she was in a "nursing home." As time went on, she was unable to walk and was permanently confined to a wheelchair. So she became a prmanent resident and decided there could be a fate much worse than Mason Health Care.
I brought her to our home on Sundays, fixed something special to eat to her liking and then spent the day on our screened porch which she loved and looked forward to all summer. But she was always ready to go back home when the day was over.
My mother was so ill for a month before she passed on. During that month, she had such good care. All the staff did everything possible to make her comfortable, to make her terrible nights more tolerable, to make her days more painless.
I spent many hours sitting at the foot of her bed and I saw it all. I saw how tenderly she was cared for. I saw almost everyone working at Mason's go to my mother's bedside and gently pat her hand or kiss her on the forehead and tell her they loved her. On April 25, she passed away. I know she knew she was loved by nurses, aides and residents when she left us.
Keep your loved one with you as long as you can, but when the time comes that you cannot care for them any longer, don't feel guilty about making them a resident of a nursing home. There is so much to be said for professional, 24-hour care by people who care. I have seen 12 years of it. The only guilt of such a move is a family that forgets ] a family that is just too busy to give an hour or two a week to someone they love.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to each and every one at Mason Health Care for the care and the love given to my mother and my children's grandmother.
Marian Longenecker Warsaw
Water Bills
Editor, Times-Union:The Warsaw City Council has passed a new tax by calling it a surcharge on the United Water bill.
The tax amounts to about $60,000 for Warsaw customers and $30,000 for Winona Lake customers. Only about 50 percent of Warsaw and Winona residents are customers of United Water. In addition, all Wayne Township residents outside of city and town limits do not pay. Why should less than 50 percent pay for all fire water protection.
This is just another way to have more money to wastefully spend when the trend all over the country is to lower the taxes. If you would lower your taxes, business, industry and individuals could expand and improve their business and property, which would in turn give you more revenue. I guess you haven't figured that out yet.
While on the subject of Warsaw and Winona Lake, I would like to mention another situation.
When the Pennsylvania Railroad was one of the largest taxpayers, Warsaw claimed all tax money. Now that they don't pay any tax, you have moved your city limit sign to the north side of the tracks, leaving Winona Lake taxpayers to maintain the right of way. Thanks a lot, Warsaw!
Ted Heaton Winona Lake
Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to thank the local businesses who participated in the Active Older Adult Day events at the YMCA on May 14. Thanks to everyone who made this free community event possible.
Stephanie M. Noffsinger Membership Director, YMCA
4-H Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to take this time to thank a group of 4-H'ers for doing a community service for helping with yard work for those needing help. The group's name is Atwood Neverquitters.
Joan Morgan and Jessie Robinson Atwood
Equine Seminar Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made our first Equine Rescue Training Seminar a success. This success was possible in part through our sponsors. Many thanks to our club members and most of all to our participants who came and were willing to learn.
Participants viewed a wide variety of horse trailers and discussed how to extricate the animals, if necessary. Participants had hands-on experience with frightened horses and learned how to improvise with what's available to get them to safety. What they learned may save the life of a horse or, most importantly, their own.
As with all emergency training, we pray we never have to use it, but having been in that situation 20 years ago, it's comforting to know we do have personnel in our area that will know how to proceed.
We are planning to have another seminar in the future, but have not confirmed a date. If anyone has interest in this type of training, please contact Kosciusko County Saddle Club Inc. at P.O. Box 1774, Warsaw, 46581.
Marsha Huffman Vice President of Publicity and Membership Kosciusko County Saddle Club Inc. < 241 2400 2600 4800xhrr>
Saddle Club Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in our second annual Saddle Up for St. Jude Ride. Thanks go to all the sponsors, organizers, workers and participants, and to the media for their support in helping to promote this great cause. Again, thanks to everyone.
Marsha Huffman Vice President of Publicity and Membership Kosciusko County Saddle Club Inc.
KCH Auxiliary Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:KCH Auxiliary wishes to thank the businesses who donated to the salad and dessert bar.
KCH Auxiliary
Memorial Day
Editor, Times-Union:Memorial Day is a time of remembrance and contemplation of what America and its citizens have lost ] and gained. Over the span of this nation's history more than a million citizen soldiers have died in the cause of freedom. We can count the markers, row upon row, where lie the bodies of our fallen heroes, but we can never count the lost dreams, unfulfilled hopes and broken hearts caused by so many taken away in the fullness of their lives.
The words below, written during World War I by the soldier-poet Joyce Kilmer, eloquently speak of the toll war imposes on the young people of a nation.
"In a wood they call the Rouge Bouquet,
There is a new-made grave today,
Built by never a spade nor pick,
Yet covered with earth ten meters thick.
There lie many fighting men,
Dead in their youthful prime.
Never to laugh or love again,
Nor taste the summertime."
Since 1868, when retired U.S. General John A. Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued an order designating this day as one on which the graves of military dead would be decorated, this nation has rightfully paused to remember the precious price of its heritage and to be grateful for those who have been willing to stand firm against the ill winds of tyranny to secure and protect the blessings of liberty.
As we rush to meet the demands of our everyday lives, let us pause for a moment to reflect on what the sacrifice of these American lives means. How many beautiful poems were never written by Sergeant Kilmer, who died from a sniper's bullet while on a voluntary night reconnaissance mission? How many young fathers or mothers never got to experience the simple pleasures of watching their children grow and thrive under the freedoms they fought to protect? How many hopes and dreams that the promise of a future holds were dashed because their holders saw a greater call and nobility in serving their country and fellow man?
This story of lost dreams is repeated a million times and more in VA national cemeteries and other final resting places across America and on foreign soil. Those of us who live in a world of freedom secured by the sacrifices of our best and bravest should always remember and honor them. For in their gallantry and contributions of freedom, they represented the character of our nation. To advance in the face of hostility, to die for a country and people you love, is a gift to be cherished. We cheer the conquering hero. We must never forget those who never returned. We honor our dead best by caring for those who fought with them and today bear the scars and wounds of war.
Let us remember the sacrifices of all those who have served and their families who waited and prayed for their safe return. Let us pay tribute to those no longer with us, but who helped guarantee our way of life. And let us exercise with fervency the rights for which they died.
On this Memorial Day, we offer our prayers of thankfulness and gratitude in remembrance of those who shall never "laugh or love again, nor taste the summertime."
Jesse Brown U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092