Wall of photos should include all veterans who want the honor

To the Editor:

The two letters to the editor in the Dec. 15 edition of the Southern Standard had great headlines. I totally agree that a ?Wall of photos a great honor for our veterans? and ?Many families will gladly pay $50 to hang a photo? sums up both great letters.

But, there are a few things that need to be worked on to make this great tribute work. First, Chuck Mayfield says there are 32,000 veterans that are eligible, I know there is no way to recognize all of them.

Second, there are many veterans that $50 would be hard to come by. One told me this week that $50 is all that he has to live on most weeks.

Third, all the veterans I have talked with believe they and their families have already paid enough. Mr. Mayfield has been given the huge job of collecting the money for the frames and mats and I do not envy him at all. Could anyone be able to ask Eric Frazier or his family to pay for this honor? We all know the price Eric has already paid. Many have paid even a higher price.

Last of all, I cannot believe that the frames and mats are being bought outside of Warren County. The phone book list four places that could do the job in this county. This government should do what they ask us to do ? ?shop Warren County first.?

We can cut the list down by just honoring those who have served in a battle zone. We can help pay for those who do not have the $50 by asking for donations to be put in a trust fund Mr. Mayfield could oversee.

As a veteran, I want to see the ?Wall of Photos? become a reality only if there is a way that all who want their photo there can have it. Because I never was in a war zone, you will never see my photo on the wall.

David Carden
Gay Road
McMinnville