SMETHPORT – In a brief but solemnðceremony Sunday,
theðMcKean-Cameron Bi-County American Legion officiallyðdedicated
the veterans memorial marker that was placed on the McKean County
Courthouse lawn in Smethport in early November 2006.

Bi-County Commander George Tufts, in his
welcomingðcomments,ðsaid, “We must recognize the men and women in
uniform for their love and sacrifice for our great nation, and they
cannot be forgotten.”

Tufts also thanked the following American Legion postsðfrom
Bradford, Eldred, Smethport, Emporium, Kane, Port Allegany, Ludlow
andðMount Jewett for participating in the ceremony on the
courthouse steps.

Ken Holmes, past-Bi-County commander from Ludlow Post #489, was
the main speaker, and he spoke aboutðseveral topics affecting
veterans.

Holmes urged Americans not to forget the sacrifices made by
veterans’ families at home.ð “Maybe they didn’t serve in battle,
but they’reðveterans just as much as we are.”

According to Holmes,ðwho served in the U.S. Army, “Problems at
many VA hospitals have existed for a long time, but there was no
action until families got involved.”

Memorial Day, Holmes said, should be observed every day. “By
honoring our communities’ ward dead, we remember those in the
military serving overseas or here at home. Individually or
collectively, when you see a veteran, thank him or her. With two
wars going on now, there is no excuse for the public not to
remember.”

Holmes was also critical of those who desecrate the American
flag. “Ask any veteran, and you will hear that desecration of our
flag is not freedom of speech.ðThe flag is one symbol that unites
our country,” he said. “Stand beside it, stand behind it and stand
with it.”

During the dedication of the memorial marker, Holmes and Debbie
Tufts, a retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant and current
Bi-County adjutant, placed a wreath on the monument.

“Taps” was played by Kevin Smith, with the echo by Jeremy Freer.
The Smethport Area High School Band, directed by Kevin Bailey,
offered three selections. The Rev. John Wesley, pastor of St.
Luke’s Episcopal Church, offered the invocation and
benediction.