Ask Billie

Do you remember a time in your life when there was no discussion of war and world conflict? I doubt there are many of us who can say yes to that question.

I grew up in East Texas where U.S. 59 was right in front of our home, a near county to Louisiana. My earliest recollections are my parents telling me to stay in the back of the yard because the soldiers were on maneuvers. Those experiences never leave so I can imagine the fear children in other parts of the world must feel.

One of my mother's favorite cousins was on a ship which sank in Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. Other friends and family were involved in the Korean conflict and still others in Iraq today. The military is an important part of many of our lives.

A few days ago Jeffrey Blair sent an email reminding us that this past Sunday, Oct. 21, marked the 50th anniversary of the first U.S. Army soldier killed in Vietnam. That was Captain Harry G. Cramer, a 1946 graduate of West Point, killed in 1957 near Nihau Trang and his age was 31 years.

Recent surveys show citizens know very little about wars that have been fought and lives lost. Thousands have died or have life changing injuries for our freedoms. At a recent meeting of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars it was fascinating to hear some of their stories. It dawned on me that we are not telling our children how expensive it has been for them to enjoy their lifestyle today.

Each year on Veteran's Day our local Pilot International Club reminds us of the price that has been paid by Wharton County heroes who have given their lives in battles around the world. Since Veterans Day this year is on a weekend, the date for the ceremony is Monday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. The place is the Veteran's Memorial on the lawn of the Wharton County Courthouse. This is a short, impressive ceremony and everyone is invited.

Immediately after the Veterans Day program please join us on the lawn at the Wharton County Sheriff's office for the Ground Breaking for the Wharton County Law Enforcement Memorial.

The committee planning this project is made up of representatives of all law enforcement departments and citizens representing all of Wharton County. Funds for the memorial are coming from donations by businesses and individuals and they are tax deductible when given through the Wharton County 100 Club.

Some materials have already been donated as well as engineering and building expertise. We hope each of you will want to be involved with this project.

We have been fortunate in Wharton County that there were many years without a fatality among our law enforcement officers.

The death of Officer Justin Hurst this year made us realize that we have no permanent way to honor fallen officers killed in the line of duty. Right now we know there have been 5 fatalities since the beginning of Wharton County but will our children and grandchildren know that? Only if we take action today and that is what this project is all about.

Please plan to join us Monday, Nov. 12, at 11:30 a.m.