Lamar Denkins, representative of Third Congressional District Congressman Mike Rogers’ office, recently presented a special gift to Cherokee County DAV/DAVA (Disabled American Veterans/Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary) Unit 62 as a way to remember that great generation willing to sacrifice all for their country. During a recent meeting of Unit 62, Denkins presented a videotape of the new World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. with narration by Rogers and Denkins included.

He also presented a photo of Rogers with a note to Unit 62 expressing his appreciation for members’ service to country and community. DAV Unit 62 Commander Rev. Donald Plants accepted the photo and videotape on behalf of the chapter.

“To members of Disabled American Veterans, thanks for your service,” said Denkins. “The Congressman is very appreciative of those of you that served and the spouses who stayed at home and kept the home fires burning.”

Rogers plans to present one of the videotapes to each of the 53 veterans organizations in his district, Denkins said.

“I think this is the only one in Cherokee County, but in Tallapoosa County, they had, I think, five and there must be about eight or 10 in Calhoun,” said Denkins. “He (Rogers) just wanted to make one of these is available to each of them because a lot of them will never be able to go up and visit. At least they can see the memorial through the video.”

The Memorial, at an estimated cost of $100 million, is located between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, Denkins said, remembering those 16 million Americans who fought in World War II. The Memorial has 4,000 gold stars representing those who perished in the war.

“I’m happy that we built it, but it was too long in coming,” said Denkins. “This thing should have been built years and years ago. The Congressman is certainly interested in the military. He went to Iraq and tried to see as many soldiers as he could from Alabama to make sure they were being taken care of. He has even asked that the Army increase the size of the military by 30,000, because we are stressed out from Afghanistan to Iraq.”

World War II impacted many American lives, Denkins said.

“I spoke last week to a church group, and I showed the videotape outside of a veterans’ organization,” said Denkins. “There were 50 there and five of them served in World War II. I said, ‘How many of you have immediate family members that served during World War II?’ About 60 percent of them raised their hands, so not only will we it be shown to veterans’ organizations, but it is ideal to show to senior citizens. I think it is going to be a good resource for us to use.”

“The World War II Memorial will be a lasting monument to the sacrifices paid by so many Americans and a permanent signal of our nation’s steadfast resolve to defend our Democracy and preserve our liberty,” said Rogers