Have you "walked a mile" in the Johnsons shoes? Of course not! Have you ever lost a child? I am betting not!
It is appalling that anyone would publicly attack others for merely seeking a venue closer to home than Montana in which to honor their deceased son, who served in Korea. A place they could readily visit and a place to honor all local and state veterans in a manner that could become an attractive destination for anyone travelling through this area. His father, Earl Johnson, also served during the Korean era.
Many communities in this country have had the foresight to honor their deceased veterans in this manner. A beautiful memorial south of Brainerd at the Paul Bunyan rest area could become such a destination. This is not an attempt to displace the memorial adjacent to the Crow Wing County Courthouse. This proposal would include purchased name plaques of all veterans. In addition, a memorial tree or flower planter could also be purchased in the name of the veteran.
Shame on you "Disgruntled Veteran" for trying to turn a grieving family's attempt at obtaining a memorial into something it is not! It would actually have the potential to benefit the community. And, the last time I checked, we live in a country in which we have the freedom to speak and to ask questions!
I worked for Crow Wing County Veterans Service office for 25 years, and our goal was to assist veterans, not just with claims, but in any other related way possible. As a military wife for 21 years, I understood the importance of helping veterans.
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Gail Walsh
Brainerd
