Dear Editor:

On Sept. 27 we entered the Wendell Willkie Parade. As we have in the past we decorated the Jeep with flags, and to remember all veterans this year we did a lot more work on it and added an 18-foot trailer and decorated it and called some veterans we know and asked them to ride along and enjoy the time together. We had 10 veterans in all. I want to thank each and every veteran for their past services to our country and county. They came to serve again Saturday for the parade calling.

I also want to thank the many people who stood along the parade route. When we proudly brought the veterans through the streets 98.5 percent of the people stood up (I realize it is easier for some not to), took hats off, saluted, or put hands over their hearts, and clapped for them, and yelled “thank you.” For one of the first times I remember the veterans got the recognition they very well deserve.

As we entered the downtown area, our float was stopped by the judges and awarded the best float trophy. It was handed to the veterans on the float. After the parade the veterans gave Beth and myself the trophy for putting it all together. I will cherish and remember the fun, honorable precious time with our veterans and will enjoy the trophy always. I want everyone to know that the true trophies were riding on the float. The veterans were pleasantly surprised by everything and had great fun seeing all and passing out candies.

When you see an American veteran, no matter what branch or years of service, say, “Thank you.” I saw a man ask a gentleman in uniform the other day in a store if he was currently in service. The young soldier said, “Yes, I’m home on a short leave.” The man immediately went to attention and saluted the soldier and told him he had been in Vietnam and thanked him for his service today. The young man saluted the gentleman back; it was really a sight to see.

In closing, if you had time to attend the parade Saturday and have had time to read this letter today, thank an American veteran or serviceman for your safety while doing so.

We want to do this next year for the Fourth of July. If you are a veteran and want to join in please call me (765-932-5182, e-mail mohlersauctions@verizon.net) to get on a list. We would like to make it even bigger next time.

Thank you again for everything.

Sincerely,

Steve Mohler

Rushville

Son of a World War II veteran

Sons of the American Legion