By James Henderson?letters to the editor
As this Memorial Day drew closer, I reached the point where I could no longer accept the generosity of Piedmont Lumber, without telling others about their contributions. For many years, I was asked to tell no one and to not write letters of thanks. Their kindness and the honor they have shown has been in the darkness to all but a few and this has been their desire. I had given my pledge to remain silent. The price finally became too high for me to bear and I finally asked for and received approval to let it be known.
How and where do I begin? I have lost track of the years and, for that matter, some of the particulars of how it got started, but I know that two former Marines met and we exchanged Semper Fis with further pleasantries that only other Marines would understand, if we were overheard. The meeting resulted in Piedmont Lumber supplying flags and later on, weed killer, for the graves of some Lake County veterans.
So, here I am 18 years after that meeting, released from my pledge and paying my respects to Piedmont Lumber for this Memorial Day and all the others. I thank you for the 18 years that you have given American flags for our comrades for whom Abraham Lincoln said, “gave their last full measure.” The honor you have shown makes me proud to have your company within our community. To all of you at Piedmont Lumber Company I say Semper Fi.
James Henderson
Lakeport
