By Dick Malsack / Sun contributor
The Plateau Chapter #297, Korean War Veterans Association, held their first annual picnic Aug. 29 at Robin Hood Park, in Fairfield Glade. Over 50 members and their wives and guests were in attendance.
The highlight of the picnic was a reading of the poem, "Lest We Forget," composed and read by Georgene Krogman, who was subsequently presented a plaque of appreciation by Commander Don Eliason. The poem follows:
Lest We Forget
Korea? A war?
A forgotten war one day!
"Not if we can help it!
They heard you say!
And so, five years ago
You bravely took the stand
To give a re-birth of patriotism
And an outstretched hand
To Crossville, Tennessee!
This re-birth of patriotism to our community
With the KWVA, for all the residents to see!
You, veterans of the Korean War
For some, there may be a bit of silver strands of gray
And maybe a bit slower step sometimes along the way
Yet, you share with our community
The Rose of Sharon; Korea's flower of blue
Raising funds to help the needy
While honoring our own red, white and blue!
So, as we gather here today
For some of you
There are the memories of the island of Honshu
The blue Pacific outstretched beyond so far away
The tents, the shelters, POW camps, the nighttime flights in enemy skies
The fallen buddies, and their courageous cries.
Here's to each of you
As we express our gratitude
For all you've done, and all you continue to do
May none of you ever have to ask
"Have you forgotten me?"
Lest we forget . . .
You have served our country proudly
Knowing that freedom isn't free!
Written and presented by Georgene Krogman especially for the KWA veterans in appreciation and recognition of their efforts in organizing the KWVA in 2004, as they continue to promote community awareness and renewed patriotism and respect for the sacrifices of all our military, who have served and continue to serve our country.
