TO THE EDITOR:

This letter is written to give a heartfelt thanks toÝthe Harris American Legion for the memorial dedication, this past Memorial Day, honoring two young men who lost their lives in the Vietnam war. The dedication was for Craig Mettling and Ronald Hammerstrom, who both grew up in the Harris area.

Our entire family, including Craigís eight surviving brotherís and sisters (originally 10 kids in the family, 8 surviving), their families, and myself were deeply moved by this dedication and willÝforever remember what you did to honorÝtheir memory.

After a war, life goes on, and we are all richly blessed withÝthe gifts of livingÝin this country.ÝÝThatís whyÝitís easy to forget the sacrifices manyÝsoldiers have made for us. AsÝover 30 years have passed since theÝVietnam war, weÝhave all experienced life. Yet Ronald and CraigÝnever had the chance to fall in love, get married, have children, or experience any of the beauty adult life has to offer. WarÝis a terribly grave life or death matter. These thoughts andÝyour memorial so many years after their passing, make yourÝremembranceÝmeaningful to us in a way thatÝis hard to fully express.

Thank you again, to the Harris American Legion, and the very special members who made this dedication possible. We will never forget your kindness.

Many blessings to you all,
Fern V. Mettling (Mother)

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