Veteran reflects on courage and the cost of freedom at Wooster Rotary

The Wooster Rotary Club recently honored those who have served in the military by hosting U.S. Army veteran Ken Kitchen, who reflected on courage, sacrifice and gratitude drawn from his experiences during the Vietnam War.

Kitchen told a story of heroism from the days of the western frontier, involving a cavalry detachment that rode to defend a wagon train under attack. When faced with near-certain defeat, every trooper volunteered to charge the enemy — an act of selfless valor that inspired a commander to say, according to Kitchen, “I don’t know where men like that go when they die, but wherever it is, when I die, I hope I join them.”

He reminded the capacity crowd at the Wooster Presbyterian Church that throughout America’s history, thousands have made similar sacrifices so others may live free.

Turning to his service in Vietnam, Kitchen shared a story told to him by a missionary who visited the country years later. A young Vietnamese man approached the missionary to have his photo taken with an American, saying, “The only taste of freedom Vietnam has ever experienced in 3,000 years was when the Americans were there.”

Kitchen said he often repeats that story to fellow Vietnam veterans as a reminder that their efforts were not forgotten.

Kitchen urged the audience to share the stories of America’s veterans and to teach younger generations the true cost of freedom.

“If you know our country’s history, don’t keep it to yourself,” he said. “Tell your children and grandchildren that freedom is not free. It was earned by those who served, sacrificed and risked everything for this nation.”

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.