Vet celebration had special meaning

To the editor:Thank you for a most memorable night. I was skeptical about attending the veterans celebration at Meadow Heights High School, but my skepticism soon turned to one of utmost appreciation and gratitude for thanking veterans for our service.

My father served in World War II and Korea. I served in Vietnam. And my son just returned from Iraq. I was truly humbled by this small community's powerful message saying thanks to area veterans.

A special thanks to the Meadow Heights junior high and senior high choirs for their outstanding performances, the great job on the national anthem by Chelsea Morris along with the skilled high school cheerleaders performing a "Thank you, vets" cheer. The excellent poem by Woodland High School junior David Mims brought back some of the same thoughts I remembered while serving in Vietnam. Bruce Greer's performance of patriotic songs was outstanding. The final song brought the assembly to its feet.

I would like to thank Sharon Lutes and her staff for all their hard work for this memorable event. I also would like to thank state Sen. Jason Crowell for his kind remarks and recognition of some Vietnam vets. Commenting to another Vietnam vet, I said this was only the second time I had been thanked for serving in Vietnam.

From the standing ovation when entering the auditorium to the moving closing remarks by Sharon Lutes, I thank you all. You are all great Americans.

Capt. TOM L. METHENY, U.S. Navy Reserve (retired), Marble Hill, Mo.