Editorial

It was a weekend worth remembering

Monday, August 11, 2003

On a warm, sultry weekend in August, the people of Southwest Nebraska paused to remember the sanctity of life and the special bonds that exists between family, friends and fellow Americans.

In McCook and North Platte, citizens joined to help find a cure for cancer and to pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.

Special in purpose and impressive in presentation, the ceremonies lifted participants above the routine of existence, reminding them of life's most noble meaning and purpose.

Record-Setting Relay

Showing the great need and the overwhelming support for the fight against cancer, the Relay for Life in McCook raised a record $31,159.33 ... and the money is still coming in.

It was a charmed event from start to finish. Threatened rains held off, allowing more than 75 cancer survivors to walk around Norris Park triumphantly, opening an all-night flurry of activities.

Lighting the way were more than 2,300 luminaria, specially decorated candles in memory of cancer victims.

The moments of silence and the expressions of joy all contributed to the event's overall purpose: raising money for research to find a cure for cancer.

Special tribute was paid to "Marv's Team," a group of 11 individuals who were marching in support of Marvin Schleeman, a former Culbertson school superintendent who is battling cancer. The team raised $2,582, and one of the team members, Jeannette Miller, raised $900, which were the top team and individual totals.

So many, many people contributed to the success of the event, which each year grows in participation and money raised. Cancer touches so many lives. And now, thankfully, with the Relay we have a way to show our united support for finding a cure.

Remembering Vietnam

More than any other single thing, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has changed the way America regards the Vietnam War. Known as "The Wall That Heals," the memorial has shown the terrible price America paid in the war, listing the names of each of the more than 58,000 American men and women who died in the conflict.

This past weekend in North Platte, those of us living in America's Heartland had a chance to see a replica of the Wall, as area sponsors joined with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to bring a traveling exhibit to Centennial Park.

Although smaller than the Wall in Washington, D.C., the traveling memorial is just as meaningful, giving people across America the opportunity to contemplate the enormity of the sacrifices made in Vietnam.

In our reflection, we remember all who have given their lives for our country. May our lives be a tribute to their ultimate service.

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