Letters on Memorial Day, unemployment benefits
Fly the flag this Memorial Day
Memorial Day is fast approaching. This year let’s make the effort to display our flag.
I remember in the 1940s and ’50s how the majority of homes on every block displayed our beautiful American flag in honor of those who gave their lives so we could enjoy the freedom we have. We need to instill in our young people today, whether schoolkids or young adults, that this shed blood cannot be forgotten. We have a patriotic duty to honor those who died.
After the USS Indianapolis delivered parts for the atomic bomb that was dropped on Japan, the ship was torpedoed at midnight. It sank in 12 minutes with 1,200 men on board. A little more than 300 men were rescued. Many were eaten by sharks, and others were in the water for almost four days with their skin peeling off. How can we forget their sacrifice?
So many died for us so we could enjoy our freedom. Be sure to give them the recognition they deserve.
For all those great Americans who died and those who were prisoners of war and missing in action, fly the flag.
HARRY BAYOUTH
Wichita
Earned benefits
After my 43 years of going to work every day and on time, the company I worked for in Wichita closed its doors. It happened with a two-week notice, a severance package and an encouragement to sign up for my unemployment benefits.
The Kansas Department of Labor said I was entitled to 16 weeks of unemployment benefits. But two weeks later it said “no.” Because I received severance pay (my gold watch for 43 years of service), I wasn’t entitled to any unemployment benefits. I am not asking for welfare.
My company paid in for 43 years toward unemployment benefits. I am 63 years old. Do you think my next job will pay me what it took me to achieve at my previous job?
I am trying to downsize my expenditures as fast as anyone could expect under the circumstances. I really don’t think 16 weeks of benefits would put Kansas in the poorhouse.
TONY R. PRUITT
Wichita
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This story was originally published May 21, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Letters on Memorial Day, unemployment benefits."