"A Veterans footlocker – vestiges of valor" ... by James Poplar
November 9, 2023

Among my family I am known as an incurable “dumpster diver” especially if I spot a discarded item that may be of historical significance. Many a time to the chagrin of my wife I have brought home items “liberated” alongside a dumpster. My entire 1970s vintage stereo system was obtained in this manner. Less for the landfill - a “win-win” for all !
 
Several months ago, my brother-in-law was given a vintage U.S. Army footlocker which had been in storage for years and was on its way to the local dump. Knowing I have a keen  interest in history and militaria he asked me if I wanted it rather than him disposing of it. A “no brainer” - I promptly took possession and hauled the footlocker home.
 
Upon opening it I was amazed at its contents. It was readily apparent that it contained the memorabilia and documents of a senior U.S. Army Officer and his wife who had both passed without any surviving heirs or children more than forty years ago. On the one hand I was elated at such a find but on the other it was sad to know that I was the one now responsible for preserving their legacy of service to the country during three global conflicts.
 
The numerous medals on his uniform were a testament to his service in World War II, the Korean War, and he had endured five separate six-month combat tours in Vietnam. In addition, he had awards for valor and heroism while under fire in all three conflicts. If only those medals could talk and speak of past battles fought and his gallantry displayed !
 
Looking beyond his uniform there were numerous photographs and the ephemera that span one’s life of service to the nation. His wife was a German war bride, and it was quite obvious from the numerous photographs and letters that even though he may have been deployed on foreign soil fighting our nation’s wars she was always with him, if not physically but in spirit. They were inseparable.
 
Not only did the task of being the guardian of their legacy weigh heavy on me, but I realized that their story was not unique but really the story of many veterans who go to war and  return, raise a family, and give back to their community.  The sounds and sight of battles fought  may still haunt them and has forever changed them. Theirs is a story of self-sacrifice, honor, and perhaps the painful memory of comrades lost while fighting for the freedom many of us today merely take for granted.
 
Veterans Day is the day we honor  those who, like the owner of my footlocker  served with pride and honor to preserve the nation founded almost 250 years ago. Though he may be gone like many other veterans here in the valley his legacy of self-sacrifice, duty and honor endures. May God bless  our Veterans and the United States of America !
 

We are now less than one month away from people voting across the Commonwealth in a critical election that will decide the future of Virginia. It is our responsibility as Republicans to get out and vote in this election – there is simply too much at stake for us to stay on the sidelines. 
 
If we want to secure a better future for Virginia, we need you to Secure Your Vote TODAY!

CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR VOTE IN THIS IMPORTANT ELECTION

Clicking the link above will take you to a form that is easy to fill out and will make sure your voice is heard in this critical election. 
 
With far-left Democrats in control of the Virginia Senate, they continue to stand in the way of Governor Youngkin’s commonsense conservative policies. And the far-left is doing everything in their power to take back control of the House, too. 
 
That’s why we need you to make your voice heard in this election. If we want safer communities, lower taxes, fairness in female sports – we cannot afford to go into Election Day down thousands of votes.
 
That is why the Republican Party of Virginia introduced the "Secure Your Vote Virginia" Campaign! Our goal is to empower every eligible Republican to exercise their right to vote by offering the option to vote absentee or in-person early. 
 
Why choose to vote absentee or early?

Convenience: Life can be busy, and Election Day might not always align with your schedule. By voting absentee or early, you can choose a time that works best for you.
 
Avoid Crowds: By voting early, you can skip the lines and reduce the risk of crowded polling places. 
 
Guaranteed Participation: Life's unexpected events can sometimes make it difficult to make it to the polls on Election Day. Voting absentee or early ensures that your voice is heard, no matter what comes your way.

If we want to stop the radical Democrats from controlling the future of Virginia – we need you to vote!

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Here's how you can take part:

Check Your Voter Registration: Visit our website to confirm your information to ensure it is up to date.
 
Request a Ballot: If you're eligible, request an absentee ballot through our user-friendly online portal. The process is quick and straightforward.
 
Vote on Your Terms: Once you receive your absentee ballot, follow the instructions provided to cast your vote by mail or in person at an early voting location.

Your vote is your voice. And you must make your voice heard in this election if you want to shape Virginia’s future for the better. 
 
Visit our website at  www.secureyourvotevirginia.com to learn more. Your vote will make all the difference.

Thank you for being an engaged and empowered citizen. Your participation matters.
 
Securely yours,
 
Richard L. "Rich" Anderson 
Chairman
Republican Party of Virginia

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