Dear Editor;

     I'm a former resident of the Town of Thorp, growing up just west of Eidsvold on a farm now operated by my nephew and his wife, Kenny and Veronica Forster.  My visits to the area have been all too infrequent over the past few decades, but a very keen interest in its history persists, particularly involving our neighbor patriots, past and current, who have served our country.

     Three local organizations would like to draw your readers' attention to an event being planned for July 4th, 2006, at the Thorp Village Cemetery.  American Legion Post 118, the Thorp Area Historical Society and the Clark County Internet Library, with support from the Department of Veteran's Affairs, are sponsoring the dedication of a new headstone for Israel Clark, who served in the Civil War assigned to Independent Battery "G" of the Pennsylvania Light Artillery and is buried in the cemetery.  All are welcome to this ceremony.  Details will be published as we get closer to the event, and perhaps additional activities will germinate as well.

     The organizations I mentioned have been actively researching our patriotic roots, and have thus far identified nearly 90 Civil War veterans from the Thorp Area, many of whom are interred in local cemeteries.  You can find the list at  http://www.wiclarkcountyhistory.org/veterans/CivilWar_files/ThorpResidentSoldiers.htm

     Freedom is most precious.  Achieving and sustaining it constantly demand sacrifice, and often exact the ultimate price.  We would be grateful for any assistance in illuminating the identity of all our veterans and their deeds, so that they may be remembered with honor, respect and gratitude.

Sincerely yours,

/s/Paul A. Forster

Paul A. Forster

Clark County History Buff