I am writing to protest the closing of some state parks and historic sites in Illinois. I am very much concerned about the possibility of losing the privilege to drive down to Weldon Springs State Park to visit the Veterans Point Memorial.

There are a great many names of veterans there that are remembered every time I go to see the hallowed place with the flags flying and the beautiful backdrop of the scenery and the lake.

My late brother Charles Edward Nichols' name is engraved on a stone there. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II as an airplane mechanic stationed in England. Right next to him is my late husband's engraved stone. Harold Dean Hume served in World War II in the Navy as a medic, stationed in the Philippines.

There are also many living veterans' names inscribed there.

My husband, Ernest N. Thorp is a World War II Army Air Corps veteran who was shot down over Germany on his 18th bombing mission in World War II when he was a co-pilot on a B-17.

He was rescued by German fishermen and turned over to the German authorities. He spent the rest of the war in a prison camp. He was liberated and wrote a book about his stretch in the service.

He has given much time and effort to help in the creation of this living memorial at Veterans Point, as many other people have done.

To the best of my knowledge, Ernest Thorp is the only living ex-POW from WWII living in DeWitt County.

There will be a meeting at 1 p.m. Nov. 11, Veterans Day, at Veterans Point and Mr. Thorp will speak along with other dignitaries. Please attend and show the veterans their sacrifice has not been in vain.

Helen Hume Thorp

Rural Clinton