March 18, 2024

Thank-you to those who participated in recent Freedom Flight, veterans events

To the editor:

I would like to take a moment on behalf of the Jasper County Freedom Flight Committee to thank all that have participated in our recent events. The Wall that Heals visit and the Jasper County Freedom Flight would not have been possible without the army of volunteers and supporters who donated their time.

A special thanks goes out to all that made donations to make both events possible. Your donations alllowed over 550 Jasper County wartime vets the opportunity to see their memorials in Washington DC. Much healing took place and the patriotism and American Pride in our county is unparralleled.

We will be completing the DVD of the flight and will be showing the video at the Newton Senior High School in the near future. The Veteran attendees will be notified of the date.

We will now begin the next phase of our journey. The Jasper County Board of Supervisors has approved an advisory council to begin the planning stages of an additional veterans memorial that will be placed on the courthouse lawn. More details will be released in the near future.

Also, all veterans are welcomed to march in the annual Fourth of July parade in downtown Newton. We are expecting between 300-400 veterans marching in the parade on that day.

All county veterans and their immediate families are then invited to the Newton Legion Post for a free luncheon following the parade. Once again, many thanks to everyone for the incredible support over the past 4-1/2 years.

The participating veterans, and our committee, greatly appreciate it.

Doug Bishop

Jasper County Freedom

Flight Committee