The Turner American Legion held its second annual Memorial Ceremony Sunday on May 25 at the World War Stone near the Turner Village Church.

Two months early at a selectmen’s meeting, two post officers had requested that the stone be cleaned for Memorial Day. They were assured by the town manager that the stone would be cleaned before Memorial Day.

On Sunday morning, when the Vietnam veterans arrived, they found the lawn had not been mowed, the Memorial Stone covered with black mold spots, lichen and a large stain on the face of the stone. There was a faded, tattered American flag, and two park benches on each side of the stone, covered with peeled paint.

It just reminded us of how we were treated when we returned home from the war. Old scars were opened afresh. I guess it’s just the way our town selectmen and manager express their appreciation for Turner veterans.

Paul Bernard, Turner