In Nov. 13-19 Issue

We experienced a feeling of great pride and great appreciation while attending the dedication of the Jamestown Doughboy this week.

While the band played the various theme songs of the armed forces and the men and women stood up, it gave us such an exuberant feeling of excitement and pride. It was a very nice program and one that we wish more people could have enjoyed.

It was not the idea that we were dedicating a new and shiny monument on the square, it was the fact we were honoring the men and women who have given, and are giving, their time, energy and even their lives to this country. It was the idea we were continuing this public show of our appreciation for the men and women that have molded and preserved our freedom, our country and our individual lives.

We have a real concern that people today just do not and will not appreciate the freedom most of us today just take for granted.

We are really concerned when things become so everyday, like our so valued freedoms, we somehow seem to forget just why and how these freedoms came to us.

While we were never in the armed services, our father served in the Army and he was so proud of the time he spend serving his country. When we go to show someone a photo of our Dad, it is just almost automatic that we reach for the one where he is dressed in his uniform.

George York, the son of the noted Sgt. Alvin York told how he always tried to show his appreciation to all the members of the armed forces whenever he had the opportunity.

He stated he always went over and asked the them if he could shake their hand and told them how he

appreciated them for serving.

What a great idea and we all should take this opportunity. Whenever we see someone in the military, let's go over, and tell them how much we appreciate them for guaranteeing us we still have the opportunity to enjoy the many freedoms that make this such a great country.

If you are presently serving in the armed forces or have served, may we take this opportunity to shake your hand by saying "thank you". We also thank all of those who worked to get the Doughboy replaced and returned to it's place of honor.