(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

I attend the Post 15 Memorial Day service at the City Park each year. Thank you Post 15 for making this very special service possible.

We are the “home of the free because of the brave,” so you are free to attend the service or not, but some of the veterans I talked to and I are generally disappointed with some people’s choices. For several years, not one elected official has been in attendance. If any of them had been there, they might have been able to see that the American and West Virginia flags are worn and should be replaced. We also have the freedom to vote, so I will remember Memorial Day when I go to the ballot box.

For our population of 31,000 people, fewer than 100 were in attendance, and half of those were veterans. Only about 10 children were there this year. Not a very good example for parents to set!

We are given three days to spend with family and friends, and I believe that during the weekend, we could all find 30 minutes to go to the City Park to honor, recognize and remember our veterans. Those veterans gave all so we can remain free.

It would be amazing if we could fill the City Park for the Memorial Day service next year.

Maggie McCuskey

Parkersburg