To the editor:

Every year after the Memorial Day Parade, I pause for a few moments and hope that I have thanked all the people who have made this parade possible.

This is only my second year as commander of American Legion Post 26. And I think it was a very good parade, but I couldn’t begin to do all this by myself. I would like to thank my wife, Debby Wolf, for answering phones and doing all the extra things that wives do to help their husbands when we get involved in something. Also, thanks for Lolli Estel for doing the paperwork that a parade of this size generates. A very special thanks for Pastor Jeff Whittaker from the Michiana Christian Embassy Church for the great job he always does for us. We don’t want to forget the American Legion Color Guard and the Firing Squad. This isn’t an easy job, but they do it well. The Niles High School Marching Band’s patriotic music was excellent. In fact, all the bands in the parade were great. Niles is really blessed with some really good kids in the music department. We should also thank all of our area police agencies for the excellent job they do for us each year. A parade adds a lot of work to their already full schedules but it sure is worth it.

A parade is more than one or two people getting together and deciding this is what we want to do, especially this parade. It is a combination of veterans, wives, mothers, kids and grandparents who have had or do have sons, daughters and loved ones serving in all of our armed forces. This is our day for them. Let us not forget how important it is to have their hometown and country recognize them for what they are doing. If you see a person in the armed forces home on leave, please go up to them and shake their hand or pat them on the back and say, “Thanks for all you are doing!” You will see a big smile on their face and the connection you just made will make you feel great. They will realize we really do care.

Thanks again for all of you who participated in this parade and to all of you who also came to the cemetery with us. I realize that laying a wreath on the veterans’ graves may not be that important to a lot of people, but was important enough for that soldier to give up his or her life for out country. May God bless our country. May God bless and hold onto each and every one of our men and women who are still serving in the armed forces to protect this great country. Lord, please bring them all home safe. We love and are proud of our flag, but not on the coffins of our sons and daughters.

Thank you!

Commander Kenneth Wolf

Debby Wolf

Andy Roberts

American Legion Post 26

Niles