Letter to the Editor

Editor:

Over the past several months, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2776, commanded by Bryon Scogins, has been in the process of getting the necessary funds to erect a suitable monument to honor Jenkins Countians who paid the ultimate price for our freedom in WWI and II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War and other conflicts, including the one our great nation is engaged in now in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This task is estimated to cost in the neighborhood of $18,000, and it cannot be done by local members alone. Local donations, so far, total less than $2,000. As of now, both local banks have pledged funds to this cause, as has Metal Industries and Planters EMC. The efforts of these businesses are indeed appreciated but will not see the work to fruition. This is where our community can come in and lend a hand.

At one time or another in our county's history, local civic organizations, the schools, area small businesses and the churches stood up to the task of donating to a worthy cause. I now challenge the local school system, through its teacher's organizations and student body clubs; the local civic clubs; local businesses; and our houses of worship to help honor those men who sacrificed so much for the freedoms that we enjoy today. The local Rotary Club and Sons of Confederate Veterans camp have already donated. No gift is too small. Suffice it to say that we all know of someone who served and died, and, most definitely, we all know someone who serves now. Just recently, a member of our community was wounded in Iraq, and by the blessed grace of God, we won't have to have his name added to that memorial.

Perhaps the only recognition an organization or resident could expect from giving would be their name mentioned in the paper or a picture. The local VFW will give recognition to any and all who contribute. But the most important thing would be the satisfaction of knowing that a contribution would honor a service member - or family member - by name on a long-needed memorial testifying to their love of country, devotion to duty and honor.

Darryl Drake

Herndon