Letters – Theater, Parties and Poppies

Lockhart

Alum thanks LISD for reunion

To the Editor:

I would like to thank the school for hosting the 50 Reunion and Back for the beautiful job they did.

Everyone was so impressed and it was so much fun seeing people we had not seen for years. What beautiful memories we shared!

The Superintendent, Dr. Jose Parra, was so helpful and all of the students were lovely. The food was delicious. The school did an excellent job cooking the food supervised by their teachers.

A big “thank you” to all who helped in arranging this event, and a special thanks to Billie Jean Locke for her supporting role in making it such a great success.

Betty Bowers (Class of 1948)

Lockhart

Veteran stresses importance of support

To the Editor:

As a retired veteran of military service I’ve continued to support veterans causes by being a life member of both the local American Legion Post 41 and the VFW Post 8927. Being an active volunteer for the veterans causes is good for the soul… most of the time. I’ve always been so proud of my military service and it wasn’t until yesterday (Veteran’s Day), that I felt all but invisible.

Having recently requested a Special Activity Permit from the Lockhart Police Department, we prepared to give the “Buddy Poppy” to the community’s residents. Myself and Joseph Rodriguez (a fellow veteran and VFW member) stood on the corners near the Square. It amazed me a how many vehicles drove either just past me or stopped right by me as I stood there with “Buddy Poppies” in my hand, waiting to give it to them and ask them to wear them. Most drivers never even looked at what was in my hand. Just a little paper flower.

We did place signs about 50 feet out to let folks know what we were doing. As folks kept driving by, avoiding me trying to hand them a poppy, it was breaking my spirit and made me want to just pack it up and leave.

It occurred to me that most of the residents don’t have a clue about what the “Buddy Poppy” is, or its origins. The epitome of clueless was when a young lady drove up, stopped and asked me, “What are we trying to save? Are we trying to save the chickens?”

I don’t think she was being disrespectful, I just don’t think she had any idea that “Buddy Poppies” are assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals.

If we really think about it… we’re trying to save the dignity of our Veterans who are unable to contribute to society because of their particular situations. Perhaps they are temporarily disabled and recovering from injuries sustained in combat or during training. Perhaps they are permanently disabled Veterans. Either way, these “Buddy Poppies” are made by their hands, their time.

For me, as a fellow Veteran and American, these little paper flowers very special and something to be proud to wear, especially on Veteran’s Day.

My spirits were lifted by a few folks that went out of the way to stop by, and ask me for a poppy. They commented, that they rarely see them anymore more and asked if I would accept a donation.

As the “Buddy Poppy” is never, ever sold, I did thank them for their generous donation and proudly handed them their poppy. Any donations are used to support Veterans Assistance Programs and the troops that assemble receive a small stipend.

Others that went out of their way to get their “Buddy Poppy” were fellow members of the VFW who stopped by and made a donation. One of our Commissioners stopped to get his poppy, and made a donation… and a little girl that was riding her bicycle rested at the corner and then came over and made a donation. Another bicycler stopped and generously donated stating that he always puts them on his bicycle handlebars.

Ms. Liz, saw me standing out there with the poppies, parked her car and walked over to make a donation and took her “Buddy Poppy,” she walked off smiling.

It’s not about the donation. Yes, they are most appreciated; however, it’s about being proud of our troops and showing it by wearing the “Buddy Poppy.”

To those of you who stopped and simply accepted the “Buddy Poppy” to wear proudly, on behalf of all our Veterans I would like to say, “Thank you.” Your patriotism makes my spirits soar.

1SG (Ret) A.M. Wagner

US Army

Lockhart

Editor’s Note: Because of the topic and educational value of Ms. Wagner’s letter, our Editorial Board voted to waive the 500-word limit and publish her letter in its entirety. -kb