TREE: In honor of a great man

I can’t tell you how excited I was to read your article about Fred McMurray on March 1, 2013. It’s sad about the tree but I was more interested in Mr. McMurray.

I have thought about him numerous times over the last 40 years.

I was a Bluebird in Campfire in 1973. I was 8 years old.

I marched in the parade celebrating his return home. I was in the front when he gave his speech and afterward I had my picture taken with him.

The pictures from that day floated around in a box and several years ago they made it into my scrapbook. It was one of those events that made an impact on my life that years later would emerge.

My family has always been very patriotic. I can trace my ancestors back to being in every war since the War of 1812. I was instilled with a love of country and duty.

I became a Girl Scout leader 10 years ago and about eight years ago I started teaching classes on flag history, color guard and flag retirement.

My troop also adopted an Army Master Sergeant who did three tours in Iraq. We sent care packages, cards and letters. He retired last year.

Our new adopted military person is my step-granddaughter. She is in the Navy and is currently in boot camp.

I have a deep love for my country and our military service and I believe in part that came from meeting Mr. McMurray.

As an 8-year-old, I didn’t fully understand until years later what the parade and welcome home was really about.

As an adult I have come to understand and in looking at those pictures and thinking about Mr. McMurray and wondering what happened to him after he came home, I wanted to tell him thank you for the sacrifice he made for me and my country.

Thank you for keeping me free.

CHRIS MONROE

Coeur d’Alene