The Canadian Record (Canadian, Tex.), Vol. 120, No. 27, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 8, 2010 Page: 4 of 40
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THURS DAV BJULY2D1D
THE CANADIAN RECORD
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LETTERS
In memoriam
GLENN RICKETTS, a name synonymous with dignity, respect, dedication and above all, pa-
triotism A one time conversation on a hot Sunday August afternoon left an impression large
enough to help carry me through many thunderstorms ahead.
His name had appeared often in The Record, usually associated with the Rotary Club, but
it was not until Sunday, August 24,2008, during a 1-mile Memorial run/walk event that I wit-
nessed this WWII veteran Mr. Ricketts in action.
The Memorial event in Canadian was part of a country wide finale to a 10 week run of 4000
plus miles across America from left coast to right by a group called Run For The Fallen. A doz-
en friends of 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary,
who was killed in Iraq in 2005, decided
to honor their friend and the more than
4000 other American soldiers killed in
Iraq by running in relay style from Ft.
Irwin, CAstarting on Flag Day June 14,
2008 and ending at Arlington National
Cemetery in August. Each mile would
be dedicated to one specific American
soldier killed in Iraq.
The Memorial run would culminate
on August 24,2008 when the dedicated
runners, cameramen, close friends and
family would run the last few miles to-
gether into Arlington National Ceme-
tery. That final hard push by the RFTF
team honored the Americans killed in
Iraq after June 14, 2008 and all of the
Americans killed in Afghanistan since
the beginning of that war in 2001.
In preparation for the final leg of
their long summer run the RFTF team
had asked communities across the coun-
try to join them in running one mile on
August 24,2008. Hence, the Memorial
event in Canadian on a hot Sunday af-
ternoon.
A team of local organizers decided to
jump on the cause and wanted to specif-
ically honor the 390 fallen Texans. The
true colors of Canadian waved proudly
when almost 500 enthusiastic patriots
arrived for the 4 o'clock in the afternoon
honor.
On that special Sunday afternoon
Old Glory crossed the one-mile finish line first—carried by a select team of Wildcats. After I
crossed the finish line at the courthouse, I immediately made a U-turn and returned to accom-
pany the last of the runners and walkers across the line. I soon found Mr. Ricketts, with cane in
hand along with a couple of his fellow Rotarians pounding the pavement.
Everything about this 86 year old man inspired me—his conversation, his commitment to
the cause, his physical struggle and pain in the heat.
Shortly after the Memorial Run, I learned that this was not his first lap around the 1-mile
course. In preparation for the Sunday event, Mr. Ricketts had begun practicing days earlier
with short walks in the neighborhood. A final practice walk of the complete course just a day
or two before Sunday completed his training. All of this training was under the watchful and
protesting eye of his son Doug.
Now for the really inspirational part—Mr. Ricketts didn't train for the 1-mile r for fear of not
finishing and embarrassing himself, but for fear of not finishing and bringing disrespect to 4000
fallen American soldiers! And specifically 390 Texans!!
A few days after the RFTF event Glenn Ricketts entered the hospital due to a combination
of Parkinson's Disease and poor leg circulation caused by deep vein thrombosis and aggravated
by a one-mile walk with a cane on a hot August Sunday afternoon in honor of his fellow soldiers.
He soon recovered and was released from the hospital with strict orders from his doetor and his
family.
On Friday, July 2,2010 Mr. Glenn Ricketts, WWII veteran, loving husband and fatheiyChris-
tian, patriot and inspirational walker, passed away at the age of 88.
Thank you Mr. Ricketts for teaching me about living and dying.
BRAD HENDERSON (via e-mail)
-
s
GLEN RICKETTS
WALK FDR THE FALLEN, AUGUST 24,2D0S
a re we 11 to a friend
WE HAVE RECENTLY LOST a man in our community who
was adored by all that knew him or came in contact with him,
Mr. Glenn Ricketts. Glenn we all are going to miss you very
much, you have been a bright shining light into the community
of Canadian. You have madea difference in the lives of everyone
you touched.
When we enter into this world we do not have any guaran-
tees in life, but many choices with which we are faced. Glenn,
you decided a long time ago to follow God, and to be a light in
a darkened world. You have accomplished that very thing, and
have brought joy, cheer, happiness, as well as soft spoken com-
passionate words, and the love of Jesus Christ to Canadian. You
have been a true disciple and messenger of the gospel with love,
and a caring heart for others. I thank God that he allowed you to
be a pai't of my life, and I eagerly await the day when we can be
reunited in heaven and spend eternity with our Savior.
My friends, God is calling his people out of the world. You
are a special people, and the masterpiece of our Creator. Glenn
Ricketts was an exemplification of a solid, loving, caring,Chris-
tian character. Let's pull up our boot straps and follow Glenn's
example. Commit yourselves to prayer and dedication in per-
sonal study of the Bible. This world is not our home. We are here
only temporarily.
We thank you Glenn for being our Christian friend. We pay
our tribute to you, may you rest well.
Farewell, WAYNE WILLI AMS
Reflection on the weekend
CONGRATULATIONS to the organizei's and the volunteers
of Canadian's largest event in history, Celebrating America's
birthday. Wow, rain or shine, they came for the celebration, and
we welcomed them, entertained them, and participated. The
days were so full, I doubt anyone went to everything, but we
were all worn out afterwards.
Special thanks for having the Hemphill County Courthouse
restrooms open on Saturday, and for the 24-hour visitor rest-
rooms at the Canadian-Hemphill County Chamber of Com-
merce Visitors' Center.
Unfortunately, the Watermelon Feast, Duck Race and Ro-
deo visitors, who completely filled the stands and stood around
the fence, were not so blessed. The rodeo men, women and chil-
dren stood in dirty outhouse lines without hand washing. This is
unacceptable for our classy town.
Another concern is the children in the parade route running
for candy, following balloons, and just running, without an adult
hand. Our children are too valuable to challenge motor vehicles
and livestock. Fun and danger must be separated for safety.
We are so fortunate to be American. Happy trails.
CAROLINE CORNETT
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Brown, Laurie Ezzell. The Canadian Record (Canadian, Tex.), Vol. 120, No. 27, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 8, 2010, newspaper, July 8, 2010; Canadian, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth220847/m1/4/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Hemphill County Library.