Count me in again next year

Dear Editor,

Thanks all, who were there and a special thanks to Legion Commander Dan Stramel and all the other veterans who participated and were there.

I drove about 400 miles to get to that service Monday, in the cemetery where my father and mother are buried. Two of the Greatest Generation, my father, O'Dell fighting in World War II aboard a B-24 bomber over Europe and my mother, Dorothy working hard in Oklahoma to support the war effort.

It was just as touching this year, as it was when my brother, Chad, now a retired Navy veteran from the closing years of Vietnam, and I would watch as little boys.

It was such a long trip from Lincoln where I live because I had to stop by and see my oldest brother, Bud, U.S. Navy. A Vietnam veteran from the war years of 1963-67. He is buried at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

It is located near Maxwell, Nebraska, east of North Platte, a beautiful place to see. During the trip and service as with every day I am constantly reminded of another Hartwell serviceman still serving, my son Spec. Joshua Hartwell, U.S. Army Infantry, now in Germany, after being in Afghanistan for many months. We are very proud of him.

The little bit of wind we endured yesterday at the service was nothing compared to what family service members of mine and hundreds of thousands of other service men/women endured fighting for our freedom over the past 200 years plus, away from loved ones and all over the world. Thank you all greatly for that.

Great service Dan Stramel, count me in again next year.

Michael Hartwell,

Lincoln