Dear Editor,

I am a lifetime resident of Milford. Born and raised west of town on the family farm, I attended K-12 in the Wawasee School System, as did our three children. I am a community pharmacist and was the founding pastor (now retired) of Wawasee Community Bible Church. My interest in the well-being of the Milford and greater Wawasee Community is deep-rooted and active.

I was pleased to learn of the planned building of a new Milford Elementary School. This will be money well spent and an excellent investment in the community. It is my conviction that this new building will provide an excellent opportunity to formally recognize a unique individual and a very rare accomplishment.

From my youngest days I recall my father telling me that “one of our neighbors,” Harry J. Michael, was a recipient of “The Congressional Medal of Honor” for heroism in World War Two. I remember feeling sad that his heroism in behalf of our country cost him his life. Over the years of my youth, whenever I saw his brother or sister, my first thought was about the fact that their brother was a hero who gave his life in the service of our country. His abbreviated life is clearly worth remembering. His story of heroism is worth re-telling and preserving.

On behalf of those I have spoken with in the Milford Community, I request that our new Elementary School be named in Harry J. Michael’s memory. I believe it is the right thing to do. It will preserve something extremely rare and perpetuate a memory of extraordinary heroism that will produce appropriate pride among the students and the people of the community in the years to come. Thank you for your consideration.

Tom A. Speicher
Pharmacist, Pastor
Milford Community