LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Darlington County ‘ignores’ Korean War veterans’ project
May is a month that honors America’s Armed Services.
May 16 was Armed Forces Day and May 25 was Memorial Day. The pandemic severely limited the usual displays of patriotism.
However, South Carolinians found ways to pay tribute to veterans, past and present. South Carolina has always been very supportive of our military, especially those that paid the ultimate price on the battlefields to preserve American freedoms.
The Foothills Chapter #301 of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) has been raising funds to etch the names of the 576 South Carolinians who were killed in action (KIA) or were POWs during the Korean War, in a wall of remembrance in Washington.
Darlington County had only eight. The goal for Darlington County is $2,800.
We have reached out to community leaders in Darlington County, written letters to Darlington County newspapers on several occasions, communicated with elected officials, etc. As hard as we have tried, we have been totally ignored by Darlington County.
I can’t believe the people of Darlington County don’t want the names of their residents who sacrificed their lives in that Forgotten War engraved in the wall of remembrance. Help us honor these men.
Our goal for South Carolina is $200,000. We have raised $140,000 thus far. We want to thank all those who have already contributed.
We know the pandemic has caused hardships for many families. But for those who can, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us meet the goals for Darlington County and S.C.
This should have been done decades ago. We are leading all states thus far. Please help us get there first.
Make checks payable to KWVA Foothills Chapter #301. In the “FOR” area write WALL OF REMEMBRANCE or WOR.
Due to pandemic-caused restrictions, and to save trips to the PO, mail the checks to our secretary/treasurer at: Cynthia Perry, Secretary/Treasurer, KWVA Foothills Chapter #301, 150 Middleton Park Lane, Moore, SC 29369.
Thank you,
Lewis Vaughn,
former senator, Greer, SC
