By Staff
What Price Freedom' essay winner honored by selection
To the editor:
It was an honor to be chosen as one of the two winners of The Meridian Star's "What Price Freedom" essay contest. It was a pleasure to share the honor with Miss Lydia Burns, a 12-year-old Collinsville girl. I am expecting great things from her. Thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts about those who contributed to making our great country free.
The July 4th edition of The Meridian Star was well-done. The pictures, articles and inclusion of our essays were extraordinary. I appreciated the plaque and the opportunity to read my essay at the July 4th Meridian Symphony concert and fireworks display at Bonita Lakes. Our essay readings were well-received by the thousands of persons who attended.
I've always been proud of Meridian, my hometown newspaper and the sincere patriotism that Meridianites demonstrate. I've never been prouder than I was at the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Smithsonian Institution WWII exhibit, the USO show, and the concert and fireworks at Bonita Lakes.
I sincerely thank The Meridian Star, the city of Meridian, Cellular South, the Meridian Symphony, The Memory Tree Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution, and others for all the hard work, efforts, and money that went into making Meridian's 4th of July related activities so meaningful, enjoyable, and well-done.
Although I now live in Atlanta, I spent several days observing all the physical evidence of Meridian's progress. It is obvious that Meridian is on the brink of even bigger and better things. The positive outlooks voiced by those participating in the 4th of July events were exciting and encouraging.
My continued prayer is that God will continue to bless Meridian, Mississippi, a city that will always hold a special place in the hearts of those of us who were blessed and privileged to have grown up there.
Jeff East
A proud Meridian native now living in Atlanta
Salute to firefighters
To the editor:
I was glad to see that the firefighters at NAS
Meridian were finally acknowledged in your Salute To Firefighters. As my husband has been out at NAS for 15 years this is the first time they were included in this publication. I also noticed that their names were not listed, yet all the other departments were. Is it going to take another 15 years to get this added?
Cathey Gibson
Lauderdale
Veteran likes Pickering
To the editor:
I am a retired veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force. I served two tours of duty in Vietnam and Indonesia. Currently, I am disabled and have lost both of my lower legs. Due to being confined in a wheelchair, I read a lot of newspapers and try to keep myself informed about current events in our state and nation.
I love my country and proudly served when I was called. With the recent terrorist attacks on America, now more than ever I'm concerned about our nation's future and particularly who's representing our state in Washington.
I'm a native of Lauderdale and Kemper counties but currently live in Clinton. I watched the recent redistricting situation with great interest because I hoped that my town would be a part of the new Third District. Unfortunately, I will not be able to vote for the candidate of my choice Chip Pickering.
There's no doubt in my mind that Chip Pickering is the best representative for our citizens, including America's veterans and military personnel. He has a good record of being responsive to the needs of old schoolers like me.
For the people who do live in the new Third District, I urge you to seize the opportunity you have to elect a good man Chip Pickering.
John Russell
Clinton