Over the years, I have heard many times that our veterans should be remembered more than just twice a year.
I have always felt the same way. And that is why a permanent memorial is needed, listing names of veterans from Harrison County who died on the battlefields of World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and other battles from this day forward.
The Freedom Memorial Committee was formed three years ago to plan for that war memorial.
After extensive research with the help of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the memorial committee has a list of 354 men and one woman from Harrison County who died in the aforementioned wars.
Any living member of the armed services from Harrison County -- male and female -- can request that his or her name be engraved on the war memorial, which will be constructed adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Park.
Family members can also make this request, if need be.
Not long ago, I briefly conversed with a retired Col. Moorefield, who was a chaplain, serving God and his fellow soldiers.
He said this: "I served all those men, but they have forgotten me."
I cannot forget this sincere gentleman.
And I hope to find his name someday on this long-overdue memorial.
Last month, Gov. Underwood presented the memorial committee with a check for $20,000.
This gave us a much-needed boost to go forward with this worthy project.
The Freedom Memorial Committee is continuing to accept contributions for the war memorial.