To the editor:

The Tribune printed on the front page Tuesday, July 2, 2019, the article, "V-J Day Parade canceled," just breaks my heart.

I’m proud to say I served my country when I was called to protect our citizens of this great country. I was born in 1947 in this beautiful town and I was brought up to support God and country.

I fought in a little country call Vietnam and upon my return I was not welcomed or supported in 1968. It’s now 2019 and now we are being honored for our time 50 years ago. Now, when so few WWII vets are left, there is no support to carry on their legacy.

As past commander of VFW Post 1925, we worked hard to keep the remembrance of these heroes in the hearts of our people for what they gave up for our freedom.

I’m sorry to say that a big part of our community just takes their freedom for granted. V-J Day parade became a special day to thank all veterans for our freedom.

Just think? Only one percent of the people in our country fought to keep us free!

Part of the reason for the parade being cancelled is because of our own VFW’s state support. After all of our 68 years of parades, our state VFW office planned a golf outing on our parade day and nobody showed up or gave a thought about our annual event.

I sent letters to state and national about the fact that their golf outing was more important than our parade. Never received any response from 20 letters sent.

So what are the members of Post 1925 supposed to do? We still love and support our veterans, but we are slowly fading away. Our celebration of veterans V-J Day parade is gone.

Just remember, you’ve got the Oktoberfest parade to enjoy. If you go to this parade for Oktoberfest and the band passes, please cross your heart and say, "Thank you veteran for my freedom."

Now, on the second Sunday of August each year, we will have a special celebration at our Post 1925 home in Seymour to raise our flags and honor veterans from all wars.

God Bless America and support our troops.

 

Toby V. Milroy

Seymour

Past Commander VFW Post 1925