To the Editor,.

No doubt there were many gatherings throughout our great land on Nov. 11 to pause for a few moments and say “Thanks” “Well done” to those who served in one of our branches of armed services.

At 11 a.m. in the courtyard behind our county library in downtown Lumberton, the very small group that gathered appeared to be made up entirely of veterans and family members — veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and perhaps later wars. Some moved slowly in the chilly wind that blew. Some with canes or in wheelchair, but those that could, appeared as stone at the playing of “Taps” and our “Pledge of Allegiance.” A lot of gray heads were uncovered during opening and closing prayers revealing an aging group.

A special thanks to guest speaker Ret. Maj. Gen. John Cross Atkinson, U.S. Army, for his timely speech, and Cmdr. Henry Caulder of Chapter 7, Disabled American Veterans, for bringing it all together.

One very disturbing fact to me personally is the fact that not one elected city or county official was in attendance at this ceremony. Offices were closed that day so it’s not as if you were chair-bound during that short time. Veterans should not have to toot our own horns on Veterans Day. This fact was brought to the attention of all in attendance who just happen to be voting age.

Lewis E. Bruce

Lumberton