Editor, Times-Union: We were so moved by the Memorial Day Service presented by the John C. Peterson Post 49 and the James W. Sittler VFW Post 1126 at our beautiful Oakwood Cemetery that we decided to write this letter. We were reminded of what our service men and women have done for us. The special music by the Kosciusko County Extension, the memorial address by Ken Locke, the roll call of deceased veterans, the flag retirement ceremony and the wreath presentation and taps at the Legion Circles brought tears to the eyes of veterans, their families, and to many of us who attended. As members of the American Legion Jr. Auxiliary back in the ’50s, we remember selling poppies on the street corners of downtown Warsaw. In memory and honor of our past and present service men and women, there was a big parade every year from town to Oakwood Cemetery with marching veterans, color guard units, fire trucks, school bands, scout troops, and city and county dignitaries. What has happened to us, to our community and to our nation? Do we take our freedoms for granted? Ken Locke put it eloquently in his memorial address. Freedom isn’t free! It has come with tremendous sacrifices and cost of lives. Let us honor these men and women past and present by flying our flags high at our homes, schools and churches. Let us be good citizens, thank our veterans, attend memorial services and honor those who serve our country. God bless them and God bless America! Nancy Simmons Derry and Lynn Simmons Wilkey Warsaw
