Dear Editor,
I am writing to correct a gross error on my part that appeared in your news story that appeared in Vol 12, No. 50 of the Opelika Observer, Ms. Hannah Lester’s article on “Celebrating Auburn’s MIA – Max Morris.” For years I had thought that Col. Morris was the only MIA who was an alumnus of Alabama Polytechnic Institute or Auburn University. I learned that two esteemed colleagues of mine, Dr. Blake Busbin, history teacher at Auburn High School, and Mr. Sam Hendrix formerly of Auburn University, had completed more extensive research that revealed a more complete list of Auburn natives/Residents killed in action during military service, taken as a prisoner of war or missing in action for the wars/military interventions from World War I to the present day. At the time of my interview, my thoughts and actions were not to omit any one of these individuals who made such valiant contributions to our nation and the world. For that, I do sincerely apologize. Those men and women involved in such actions must never be forgotten. They are/were winners and true leaders
I would also like to apologize for any individuals who might have been inconvenience by the cancellation of the Auburn Heritage Association’s flagpole dedication at Pinetucket Cemetery in Auburn. Late delivery of the flagpole, Hurricane Sally, and a soggy, wet pasture prevented our organization carrying out the erection of the flagpole and the ensuing dedication ceremony. We do intend to go forth with the ceremony sometime in the near future. We will be reading the names of all POWs and MIAs at the time of that future dedication.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Charles M. Hendrix, DVM. PhD
Vietnam-Era Veteran
Professor Emeritus, Auburn University