Walters Has Provided Veterans' Crosses For Three Plus Decades

Some people just have a knack for making a difference and local resident Chuck Walters is one of those people.

Walters has provided hundreds of crosses for the past 35 years, at his own expense, in honor of local veterans.

"(The crosses) are placed at all of the Grant County cemetaries to honor all of the veterans and local Legion members who are buried in Grant County," said a spokesperson for the Dexter Harbour American Legion No. 79, in Ulysses.

When asked, according to the spokesperson, Walters didn't know how many crosses he has built over the years.

"Or how much money and time he has spent on building them," the spokesperson said. "He said it didn't matter, and that it was an honor for him to do so."

Legion members hosted their annual Veterans' Day event November 11, and it was during that event they took time to thank Walters for his contributions.

"(Walters) was presented with a metal sign showing a welder and a symbolic American flag", the spokesperson said.

At the bottom of the sign it says, "Many Many Thanks Chuck." Walters and his wife, Bonnie, were also presented with a $100 gift card to one of their favorite restaurants. Those present at the recent event gave Walters a "long, standing ovation" the spokesperson noted, "to show their appreciation for his dedication to the Veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary members."

Walters is planning to continue to make the crosses for the cemetary, which have been maintained by Legion members.

"Ever since the crossses have been built beginning in the 1970s, numerous American Legion members have helped place them and care for them at the four cemetaries in Grant County," the spokesperson said.