The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Merrill Foto News, its publishers, Editor, or staff.
To the Editor:
I am a former Merrill resident whose roots go back generations in the community. I was touched by the HONOR exhibited by the people of Merrill this past Memorial Day. I have Grandfathers, Great-uncles, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Father, Brother, and Son who have honorably served their country during both peacetime and conflict. I am proud of and forever grateful for their service. Their contribution, however, is celebrated on Veterans Day. My issue is with my Great-uncle, Paul O. Pophal, who did give his all. He was a young man of 24 years when he was killed in action in October 1918 while serving in France during WW1. He is buried at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France. His name is also memorialized on the monument in Cenotaph Park there in Merrill. I was perplexed and frankly quite saddened by this omission on the printed roll call of Fallen Heroes that appeared in the Foto News. He was a member of the community, he did give his all and, at one time, he was recognized by his community for his sacrifice.
I do not know the reason for the omission. I choose to think it was a simple oversight. I feel it is extremely important that he be recognized as a soldier who gave his life for his country – for me and my children as well as you and yours. Lest we forget …
– Sincerely,
Tasha (Riebe) Burton
Albany, Oregon
Editor’s Note: Tasha, I sincerely apologize for the omission. It was indeed an oversight, and your Great-uncle was not the only hero inadvertently omitted in our roll call. Please see my article “Gone … but not forgotten” in this issue.
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