LETTER: Ozaukee tribute to Harms was ‘heartland America’ at its best

To Ozaukee Press:

On behalf of my family, the grandchildren of Emmeline Coulson Edwards, I would like to thank the Grafton-Saukville-Port Washington communities for their patriotic support and respect of the Lt. Roy C. Harms memorial service on May 6.

My grandmother was Roy’s aunt, and Jennie Coulson Harms’ sister. We grew up honoring Roy and hearing many stories about my mother’s favorite first cousin, including several hi-jinks that made Roy a “real” person to us.

Grafton has always been a special place in our hearts, because my mother made sure we knew about William H. Coulson, one of Grafton’s pioneer settlers, and our Wisconsin descendants.

My brother, sister and I were absolutely overwhelmed the way the community honored Roy. We are forever grateful to Allen Buchholz from the Ozaukee

County Historical Society, Linda Faas from the Rose-Harms American Legion

Post, the local fire department and law enforcement personnel, and to every person who stood in silence honoring Roy. We were especially moved by the number of young persons who were there to pay their respects.

It was, without a doubt, a true tribute that brings hope to our future. As one of my San Diego relatives said following the event: “It’s nice to see that heartland America still exists.”

            Janet M. Nevitt

San Diego, Calif