LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Scout troop does right by veteran

5/31/2014

At the Memorial Day parade in Sylvania, my almost-90-year-old husband was wearing his American Legion hat. As a U.S. Navy corpsman, he took part in the invasion of Iwo Jima during World War II.

As members of the local Boy Scout troop passed by, they noticed my husband. They saluted him in unison. My husband returned their salute.

What a touching, proud moment — for my husband and the young people who respected his service.

GINNY SIEGEL

Sylvania Township

 

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Use inmates to upkeep cemetery

When I visited the burial sites of several family members in city-owned Forest Cemetery on Memorial Day, I was shocked beyond belief.

On a day where the cemetery would have more visitors than most other days, you would at least expect mowed grounds. The condition of this cemetery is deplorable. The grounds in some sections have ankle-high weeds. Some of the grave markers have sunk and have been swallowed by weeds so that it’s hard to read the inscribed names.

When my family made arrangements for my mother’s burial, we were told the fees included the upkeep of the grounds. We are able to locate my family members’ graves because we maintain them.

I sent a letter to Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins and City Council members to express my concerns and to make a suggestion.

I proposed that city leaders employ inmates to maintain the grounds. This will give inmates an opportunity to pay it forward, where otherwise they will just sit behind bars.

FRANCES SMITH

Eaglebrook Road

 

Forest Cemetery’s condition sad

Visiting Forest Cemetery on Memorial Day to pay respects to my family, I found the cemetery to be deplorable. The only sections that were mowed were the ones along the perimeter.

The grass was so tall in the cemetery’s interior that grave markers were obscured. How sad, especially on Memorial Day.

GEORGETTE ROBERTS

Pasadena Bouelvard

Editor’s note: A City of Toledo spokesman said: “The grass at Forest Cemetery was high in some areas, but is being cut. We do not have funding to allow the staff level necessary to cut more frequently during the high-grass season. The Collins administration understands the frustration expressed by a few who have visited the cemetery.”

 

Opinion pages stimulate talking

I love the opinion pages of The Blade. I look forward to them as much as the sports section. They are fair and balanced, with the perfect blend of your editorials and guest editorials.

They intellectually stimulate conversation on science, religion, politics, and the world we live in. Keep up the fascinating work.

STEVEN DAVIS

East Pearl Street