This time of year – May and Memorial Day – (especially this year in 2004), the members of the Kingston Johnson-Kelly Legion Post #483 and Auxiliary remember the year 1944. It is 60 years since our Legion members, Douglas Johnson and Eddie Kelly were serving in World War II and lost their lives. Douglas Johnson in France and Eddie Kelly in Metz, Germany. Douglas Johnson lived east of Kingston with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Johnson; sisters Rhoda, Laura, and Bernice (Vincent), who now lives in Annandale. Douglas was the youngest in the family. The farm was sold and is now owned by the Hendricksons. Eddie Kelly lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eric Kelly, on a farm southeast of Kingston. He was born in 1913. He had a sister Lydia. His brothers were Fred, and Reino, who lives in Plymouth. Reino is a lifetime paid member of the Kingston Legion. “God, our refuge and our strength, we beseech thee to guide and protect our nation in the fiery trial of war. Grant us true repentance and take away the offenses of our people. That with clean hands and pure hearts we may go forward in thy Name.” These lost soldiers are well remembered in Kingston and honored on Memorial Day 2004. Let’s also remember them and other veterans by flying our flags high on Flag Day, Monday, June14. Ann Hamilton, Public relations
