Editor:
I would like to respond to the letter to the editor entitled “Deceased veteran deserves a flag,” written by Jessie Tenbusch.
Mrs. Tenbusch is correct. Every veteran deserves a flag on his grave for Memorial Day. Flags are put out by volunteers from local veterans organizations, the Elks Lodge, and the Boy Scouts. This year, nearly 1,000 flags were distributed among five local cemeteries. These flags are provided by our local veterans organizations.
Each cemetery provides a chart of veterans’ graves. These charts are continually upgraded. The volunteers who have accepted responsibility for placing flags on graves are conscientious and dedicated. They are veterans who are serious about showing respect.
I am sure the omission of a flag on your husband’s grave was an inadvertent oversight. No disrespect was intended. There are plans to have the grave charts computerized. We have a 98 percent accuracy at Gilliland Cemetery now and hope for 100 percent in the future.
In this area of Linn County there are veterans’ graves from the Civil War until present time. I am very proud of the veterans in Sweet Home who put so much effort into this project. We can always use more help. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me or another Veteran Club member.
Howard Ruby
Sweet Home