To The Editor: Veterans make the ultimate sacrifice ensuring American citizens can live in the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” We see them wearing their hats covered in medals, …
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To The Editor:Veterans make the ultimate sacrifice ensuring American citizens can live in the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” We see them wearing their hats covered in medals, standing for the American flag motionless with their hand over their heart, respecting the United States of America in every aspect of their lives. Veterans are heroes yet many are never recognized for their bravery or the sacrifices they have endured.The cold, rainy weather on Sunday, Nov. 4, could not keep the crowd of spectators away in Warren County. Hundreds gathered at 431 West Veterans Memorial Parkway to witness the unveiling of the brass statue depicting a young widow mother, her son and the battlefield cross “dressed” in the remains of their loved one; a hat and a pair of worn-out combat boots. As the statue was being revealed, a few rays of sun beamed down on the celebration, we believe representing a ray of hope for the United States of America.The guest speaker, Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Knapp, Adjutant General Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, still has a difficult time describing his 33 years of “sewing up bodies” and identifying remains from “body parts brought to him in buckets.” As he described his days in the service it was clearly evident it is painful for veterans to retrieve memories we are sure they would rather be erased from their memories forever.We commend the team members for their years of dedication ensuring the completion of the Warren County Tribute to Veterans Memorial. The event was well orchestrated from the prelude, to the Marines standing motionless on the hill, to the playing of taps. This extraordinary celebration brought tears to the eyes of many representing missing loved ones, memories of those never returned or remembering actual events that occurred in the battlefields. The ceremony was moving and emotional and touched the souls of those who attended. Warren County can be proud of the Veterans Memorial site which will be seen by many traveling across this great country.Huey and Bobbie RodeheaverWarrenton
