I recently heard of a veteran named Arley V. Downs who was fighting in hedgerows and foxholes in France and Germany to defend freedom in World War II. From his position in a foxhole one day, he was causing consternation among the enemy by firing rifle grenades. His deadly attack on the Germans brought about a retaliation of return fire.
In the ensuing battle, Sgt. Downs received a critical blow to the head. A piece of shrapnel had hit the center of his eye and had lodged a few inches below it. The shrapnel was surgically removed through the roof of his mouth. As a result of Arley’s service in Europe, he received the WWII Victory Medal, the Purple Heart, for being wounded, and three Bronze Stars for courageous and heroic action in combat.
I wonder how many of our teens and young people in Kent realize the price that Americans have paid for freedom. It is not often that we see someone without an arm, an eye, or a leg, as a result of his sacrifices for us on the battlefield.
Hurrah for our men and women in uniform who risk or give their lives, their health or their future for us! Hurrah for Sgt. Downs, who endured pain and suffering for the liberty that we enjoy in our country today! May each of us be thankful also for Christ, who suffered and died for us on the cross so that we could be free from the bondage of sin.
Dan Manka, Fairmont, W. Va.
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