Letters to the Editor
To the Editor To the town of Westminster,

Thank you.

Anyone who did anything for Kevin and I during this time of tremendous loss of our beloved son, Lt. Ryan Patrick Jones. We thank you from our broken hearts. You have made our son proud. Our community stands out in this state, and in our nation honored by respecting a soldier who loved this country, loved this town, loved its people, and died for each one of us so that we may all live the lives we do. You all have projected what America is.

You showed your love for us, to strangers who came from Colorado to greave with us who Ryan loved, you gave us hope, encouraged us to go on because Ryan touched each and every one of your hearts, be it friend or stranger, in his special way. He made you smile, when you just wanted to cry, gave us hope, when life seemed hopeless and he showed us promise in the compassion he showed to everyone he met. And he taught us to love one another. Though we all have different feelings on how we should think about this war, and the men who fight for us daily and that he loved and gave his life protecting.

Ryan was everyone's hero: from a small boy, Jason, who chose him as his personal own hero, to his 97-yearold grandmother, Germaine Savoie, who he loved with all his heart. No one has ever touched this community like Ryan did. I have heard this from everyone, and I believe that it is true. The spirit of 1st Lt. Ryan Patrick Jones shall live on in the hearts of hundreds for many years to come because he chose all of you to go out and make a difference ... one Person at a time ... in his memory, Kevin and I wish to thank all for every single thing done for us.

The Thayer Symphony, for their concert in Ryan's memory. Thank You Conductor Francis. The people that sponsored the Candlelight Vigil, everyone at Hanscom Field for the dignity and respect for which Ryan was shown upon his return, the Blue Star Mothers for their support. Thank you everyone who sent cards, letters, plants, flowers and have enrolled Ryan in several orders of prayer societies. Fr. Gariepy, Decon Stanley, the people of Holy Spirit Church, Maureen - for her beautiful voice - and Sharon - for her musical talents - at Ryan's Mass. Thanks also to Monty Tech Superintendent James Caulkeen, and Monty Tech Graphic Arts Department, and the ROTC's and Sgt. Jornet, Westminster Police, Fire and town officials. Thanks to the men of Ryan's Unit 42530 for saving my life with their wonderful Mother's Day cards, to the Patriot Guards for escort on motorcycles, as well as the Christophers and Roberts of Colorado and Katie for all being here. Thanks to The Village Inn, Walter Taylor of Sawyer Miller Funeral Home, Sean of McNally's for his fine job at the reception, The PACC for use of their hall, and to Ann Bilowitz for her daily caring. Special friends who have stood by me over the years and were there for us through all of this, Helen Metcalf ,Gail Moynihan, Lois Progen, Sheila Martin, Janice Downey, Joan Gates, and to Lt. Howe, our causality assistance officer, who was there for Kevin and I with help, guidance, and compassion for our family, and to Brian Wuoti, who was Ryan's best friend and has been there to support Kevin and I every single day since Ryan's death. Showing us what true love and compassion for others really is ... we love you Brian. And a special thanks to The Community Journal who did such a wonderful job, showing the community in such a fine way, respectful, caring, loving, for their "hero."

We ask God to bless each and everyone and thank Him for all the blessings he has placed in our lives by giving us Ryan and the people who have supported us ... and Ryan's town. Ryan truly had "the heart of a hero" … and the town will see through the years that Ryan has not forgotten them.

Elaine & Kevin Jones

Westminster