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Disappointed by turnout

Dear Editor:

My wife and I just got home from watching the annual Veterans Day parade in Athens and I have to say that I am very disappointed about what I saw.

I know the weather affected the turnout a great deal, but it didn’t seem to bother the people and organizations that were represented today. I only saw one high school band there, East Limestone School. I saw very few city and or county government organizations represented. I guess they had some urgent and pressing business somewhere the cameras where rolling.

Has it gotten to the point we can’t even say a heartfelt thank you to all of the men and women who served this great nation of ours? We can’t show our appreciation with something as simple as a parade?

I would hope that if you read this you would give some thought to the idea of a soldier, somewhere in harm’s way who took the attitude of not responding to an enemy because it might be an inconvenience.

This country has turned its back on veterans, and it seems to be starting from the White House and trickling down. Folks, we have very brave and proud men and women walking the streets of this country who are very sick and some don’t have a home or the next meal. We can provide safe havens for people who are not even citizens of this great nation of ours, but we can’t help people we sent into harm’s way and who are now damaged. That is just very wrong and very, very messed up.

It bothers me that some of our veterans have to depend on organizations that beg for donations from the public just to get some serious medical — and in some cases mental — help they can’t get on their own. Is everyone so caught up in this me, me, me, me society they can’t or won’t think about how they are able to stand under this blanket of freedom and not think about who provides that blanket?

Americans need to wake up. Appreciate these veterans, because they don’t have to go and do what they do because of the volunteer service we have. God help us if they stop volunteering to protect and serve you and me.

Sincerely,

Tommy Walker

Proud USAF Veteran (1971-1975)

Athens

A word of thanks

Dear Editor:

I would personally like to thank each and every one of you who participated in the Athens Veterans Parade.

I know the weather was not perfect, but these men and women fought in the rain for us, so the least we could do is march in a little damp air for them. It was an honor to see that many people did not mind getting a little wet to honor our veterans. Again, thank you to all who participated.

I would also like to thank the Disabled American Veterans for allowing us to use the building and the ones who stayed behind and cooked the delicious stew. Again, words cannot express how thankful I am.

Sincerely,

Roxanne Haggermaker

President

Helping Limestone County