Thank you for taking the time to read this letter regarding Prisoners of War-Missing in Action Recognition Day. We should honor the men and women who served and sacrificed to keep our America free, and to salute the families of the missing who continue to keep the candle of hope alive today. There are too many of our people who are missing and unaccounted for from the wars which our nation has been involved in, going back as far as World War II. They are our military and civilians who are our mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. A lot of these wars ended a long time ago but we still should pause and remember their sacrifices. I cannot imagine how I would feel if I lost my husband or family member for this length of time, days, months and yes, even decades. They deserve an answer. ...more

August 11, 2008

Ten years behind the wheel of a school bus has given Lawson Lee an appreciation for the sacrifices and commitment it takes to do the job. ...more

August 2, 2008

As the past national commander of a congressionally chartered veterans' organization, I have opportunities to visit VA hospitals and clinics across the county. As I tour the hospital wards talking to returning servicemen and women, one striking difference between today and the Vietnam era is evident. Today, our citizens are openly showing their support and patriotism to our returning soldiers, sailors, Marines, Coast Guard and airmen. Everywhere I look in the hospitals I see gift baskets, visitors and get-well wishes on cards and banners from schools. ...more

July 4, 2008

On behalf of the Post VFW 3880, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Men's Auxiliary in Lake Placid, we wish to take this opportunity to say "thank you" to the business that allowed us to stand at their doors to accept donations from our generous citizens on May 23 and 24, which was our semiannual Buddy Poppy Drive. Thank you to Publix, Winn-Dixie, CVS, Gate Gas Station, Sweetbay and Circle K. Your kindness is greatly appreciated by all. ...more

May 28, 2008

For several years, our business has been asked by the local veterans' council to put up tents for the annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremonies at Oakside Cemetery on First Street in Zephyrhills. We have always been glad to provide this small service to assist our veterans' groups. ...more

May 23, 2008

Memorial Day is upon us again, while our American troops wage war on two fronts. We live in strange times here in the United States. ...more

May 9, 2008

The word of God isn't a black thing or a white thing; it's a blanket that wraps around us all, according to the Rev. Richard Lockett Jr. ...more

February 14, 2008

Recent op-ed articles imply that partisan political party objectives are more important than national security. One chastised a general for wearing his military decorations. Another protested some restrictions of expanded interpretations of constitutional free speech rights. Specifically government tapping or telephones intended to learn whether or not callers were involved in plots against our country. As a war president, F.D.R employed far more drastic measures to curb espionage efforts to exploit freedom of speech. Japanese-Americans, including Japanese spies, were interned, fed and cared for during hostilities. Espionage was effectively stifled. I believe the great majority of Americans are willing to accept the possibility that their telephones could be tapped in efforts to apprehend the enemy that have infiltrated our un-enforced immigration laws. That great majority of Americans have nothing to hide from a telephone tapping. ...more

January 12, 2008

Mr. Ludacer's letter dated Dec. 10 once again shows he is a biased, misinformed individual. A little effort in research on his part would have enlightened him to the following facts: Mr. Ludacer suggests: "They have even usurped the name 'American' as if their party is the only one entitled to be so considered." There are four minor political parties registered in Florida with the word American in them. Usurped is defined as to seize and hold by force or without legal authority. ...more

December 19, 2007

Eddie Vallina donned a sailor's cap Friday, made his way to the intersection of Rome and Mohawk avenues and held up a sign for commuters: "Remember Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941." ...more

December 8, 2007