Freedom requires sacrifices
Editor,
Sixty-five years ago as of Oct. 23, 2007, the Battle of El Alamein in Africa was won by the Allied forces comprised of English, South Africans, Australians, Free French, Free Poles and a handful of Americans of whom I had the good fortune to be a member.
This victory gave a signal that the fate of the world was to be decided in favor of Freedom. The battle had raged for three months, and losses were heavy for both the Allied forces commanded by Field Marshal Montgomery and the Axis forces commanded by General Rommel.
As we pursued the Axis forces, they retreated 2,000 miles to the west. In November 1942 we received help from America. Several thousand American troops joined us in the fight. Leaders were General Eisenhower, who was the Supreme Commander, General Patton and Colonel Doolittle, who had led the B-25s off an aircraft carrier on a strike against the Japanese on April 18, 1942.
With the help of these American troops, we were able to push the Axis forces out of Africa in June 1943. I am forever thankful that I was able to serve this nation at that time, surrounded by thousands of patriots, many of whom died fighting for freedom.
Understandably, since those days, my mind and heart have been centered on the statement made by our forefathers long ago: "We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defenses, promote the general welfare, and assure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America." This is the introduction to our constitution which was approved Sept. 17, 1787.
As we know, this document was preceded by a declaration which in part reads, "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." This document was dated July 4, 1776.
Having considered the above, it is obvious that great men worked together to create the foundation for freedom and opportunity. However, without the help of every generation, all of their greatness and contributions are for naught. To preserve what has been ceded to us, each of us must be ready to fight and die if necessary. As Plato said, "Only the Dead have seen the end of war."
In closing, I love America, and therefor I offer my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Rick Skates and those who worked with him for memorializing the contributions and sacrifices made by those who have served this country and protected us from the enemy.
It was rewarding to know that somebody cares and to some extent understands the pain and suffering involved, not only while in battle, but also as long as each participant lives.
Thank you, Mr. Skates, President of the First Citizens Bank, and your associates for Freedom Days and for honoring those who have served this nation.
God bless our beloved country on the 231st anniversary of its birth.
(Dedicated to my son, Randolph Ingram, who recently lost his life).
Bill Ingram
Polson
Well done, Mariners, well done
Editor,
Everyday we read in the newspaper and hear on the news about this teen that did … and about that teen that did … Well, we want to tell you about some of our teens and what they did.
They brought home the State Division A baseball trophy! We do not have a son or grandson on the team, but we are just as proud of these boys as though they were our own. We have been so excited about their win since we heard about it — a score of 15-4.
We went to the opening game and were blessed with a season pass. We attended every home game we possibly could. We have come to know the players' names and numbers. We watched as the players had the best season ever. We watched as their coach kept them grounded.
We heard parents call out, "Hey, 5, are you having fun yet?" or "It's OK, 2, you'll get the next one out." Or, "OK, guys, just relax," or "Wow, did you see that home run?" And "All you need to do is get a base it. A hit is as good as a run."
Then again, maybe some of them were also older people like us, just out to cheer on a good team and have a little fun — or as one girl put it, just to look at the boys.
We are looking forward to hearing about them winning the playoffs for the regional championship in Anchorage, Alaska, starting Aug. 16.
We often forget to say "Well done" when our teams do something grand. So were are saying it today.
The most important thing for them to know is that we will love them and cheer them on no matter what. Thank you boys, for getting this older Grandma and Grandpa out of the house and giving us some of yourselves.
Rev. Wayne and Rev. Valeda VanDerSande
Polson
8-week old bobcat kitten stolen
Editor,
On July 7, someone came onto our property and stole a female 8-week-old, hand-raised baby bobcat. This was to be my daughter's first bobcat and she had faithfully taken very good care of the kitten until it was stole.
If anyone has seen or hear any information on a bobcat kitten, please let me know at 676-3177.
Kathy Richwine
Ronan
Ranch owners express thanks to fireighters
Editor,
Please allow us to forward this note as a hearty thank you to all various firefighting crews that have participated (and still are) in battling the Garceau Fire in Irvine Flats.
First, the Polson and Ronan volunteers, then the Tribal and subsequently the Regional Task Force from Idaho all have exhibited professionalism and expertise that is amazing in its execution.
We greatly appreciation your thoughtfulness and concern for our safety and well being throughout the duration of the fire danger. Your professionalism served to alleviate an extremely stressful situation.
We also appreciate our consideration that was shown for our ranching operation such as refilling our stock ponds and constant efforts at dust control.
We are most beholden to all or you for the particular concern and special attention in protecting the ranch structures while at the same time battling numerous fires up in the forested area. Your aggressive attack against the fires certainly prevented the loss of more acreage.
We would also like to send a heartfelt thank you to all our friends and neighbors (and our plumber and his wife) who came to offer their assistance with moving of livestock, and offers of help, and the many phone calls we received.
We feel very blessed to live in this area where people look out for one another and offer their support in their time of need.
With our sincere gratitude,
David and Sue Nash
Spring Mountain Ranch
Irvine Flats
Polson