The Price of Freedom

America's Armed Forces protect our nation and ensure our freedom around the world on a daily basis. They are heroes and have earned our respect and admiration through the courage of their service. This is an especially dangerous time for our men and women in uniform, and our troops are on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan serving our nation with honor.

Our Armed Forces locally wanted to put together a softball tournament of recruits, active duty personnel and reserves. It was to include the Army, Army Reserve, Marines, Air Force, National Guard and the Navy. It was to be a day of fun, camaraderie, and competition for our Armed Services. They wanted to play the games in Massillon. Apparently, the Massillon Parks Department wanted to charge them $500 to use two fields.

Fortunately, the Stark County Parks District stepped up and offered them two fields without cost. The Armed Forces Softball Tournament will be played on Saturday, May 22, starting at 8:00AM. The games will be played at Petros Park in Perry Township. Everyone is invited to watch. Bring a comfortable lawn chair and cheer your favorite military branch.

We are confident the Stark County Park District is proud to have our Armed Forces play softball in their park. The sacrifice of our Armed Forces have more than paid for the field rental.