Honor veterans

We have just finished another Memorial Day.  This turned out to be a bitter sweet day for me.  I personally served 36 years in the United States Military.  I have a brother that served and retired from the United States Air Force.  I went out prior to the scheduled Memorial Day and I purchased three United States Flags.  Early on Memorial Day I paid a visit to the Cemetery where my Brother was laid to rest.  The Cemetery is the, Gap Pond Cemetery.  My Brother is not the only Veteran laid to rest in that Cemetery.  There are Veterans laid to rest in this Cemetery dating back to the Civil War.  I was devastated to find that there was only one United States Flag in this Cemetery in spite of the fact that there are several Veterans there for eternal rest.  The only United States Flag in this Cemetery was one which I brought and placed at my Brothers Plot.  We are happy to celebrate our fallen heroes by taking a day off from work, or enjoying a day engaged in activities we like to do.  In the process of things most of us have forgotten the real meaning of Memorial Day.

In Washington County we are blessed to have a Veterans Service Officer.  This is a paid position that, we the Tax Payer are paying a good salary.  Where was she on Memorial Day?  Where were the County Commissioners that are elected and paid to serve their district?  Where were all of the Veterans Service Organizations?  These Veterans Service Organizations claim to be there to take care of the Veterans.  There are many Boy Scouts of America,  which the Boy Scouts of America requires the Scouts to do Community Service Hours for advancement in their program.  There are Girl Scouts, Youth Groups and individuals that should be taking care to honor our Veterans.

I see many groups that will show up at the front doors of Wal-Mart and ask for donations.  Where are all of these people when they are needed to honor our Veterans.

The Veterans did their part; why can't we as citizens of this country which they fought for show them the gratitude they deserve.

Kenneth I. Finch