Two years ago, folks gathered in Greentown on a September Sunday to remember civilians, servicemen and servicewomen who had died since Sept. 11, 2001. Just 4 miles south, on Ind. 26, veterans of the Vietnam War were setting up camp at Veterans Park.
It was a fitting sequence of events. Duty and sacrifice were honored at the Eastern Howard Performing Arts Center. Both virtues annually are honored during the Vietnam Veterans Reunion.
It was 27 years ago that local Vietnam veterans first got together. It drew thousands last week from across the U.S.
It wasn’t long ago that some in this country disparaged Vietnam veterans for their service. Those who did were wrong.
Unlike their fathers who served in World War II, many who fought in Southeast Asia were drafted into the armed services. Many likely had no idea why the United States had involved itself with a country few could locate on a map.
But they went anyway. That’s worth remembering.
Craig Trott, master of ceremonies at the Greentown event two years ago, summed up why so many had gathered.
“No matter your opinion on the current conflicts, we must never place blame or dishonor on these men and women who love their country and are simply honoring their commitment to defend and protect.”
The 27th annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion ended just this past Sunday. Trott’s summation could be read before the closing prayer of every future reunion.
Opinion
Remembering their service
- Opinion
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White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
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Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
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Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
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Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
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If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
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Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
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Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
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Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
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Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
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Heinig: ‘Right-to-work’ law to arouse continued resistance
I wouldn’t call Gov. Mitch Daniels a charismatic leader, but he does possess some leadership skills. If he didn’t, he couldn’t have brought us this far along the happy trail to his economic Valhalla.
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White shouldn’t return to office
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