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Editorial: Honoring a hero

Our View

Saturday’s dedication to Major William E. Adams was a step in the right direction in giving the late Craig resident and Medal of Honor recipient the recognition his service and sacrifice deserves. But, it’s not enough. Thanks to the perseverance of people like Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4265 member Larry Neu, there’s hope this oversight will someday be rectified.

Our View

Saturday’s dedication to Major William E. Adams was a step in the right direction in giving the late Craig resident and Medal of Honor recipient the recognition his service and sacrifice deserves. But, it’s not enough. Thanks to the perseverance of people like Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4265 member Larry Neu, there’s hope this oversight will someday be rectified.

The headline on Monday’s Craig Daily Press front page story, “Worthy of Far Greater,” was a fitting description of a recent effort to recognize Major William E. Adams, a late Craig resident and recipient of the Medal of Honor.

On Saturday, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4265 and American Legion Post 62 members gathered on the side of Colorado Highway 13 for a dedication ceremony.



The veterans were there to name Moffat County’s portion of the highway after Adams, the U.S. Army pilot whose heroic efforts to rescue wounded soldiers in Vietnam resulted in him posthumously receiving the highest military distinction our country has to offer.

Moffat County’s segment of the highway is now known as the Major William Adams Medal of Honor Highway.



The Editorial Board commends local veterans for their role in securing long-overdue recognition for Adams. His sacrifice for his country was the biggest one can make, and his bravery is unquestionable.

Another positive aspect of Saturday’s dedication was that his family members — wife Sandra Adams, son Col. John Adams, of the U.S. Marine Corps, daughter Jean Wayne and Adams’ grandchildren — were able to attend, as well.

By all accounts, they were honored their loved one received such a memorial.

While Editorial Board members share this same sense of satisfaction that Adams was recognized, we also contend that his memory deserves more.

The highway naming is certainly a nice honor, but given the importance of the Medal of Honor and Adams’ selfless, heroic actions in the war, it isn’t enough to properly memorialize one of Craig’s fallen heroes.

To this end, VFW member Larry Neu and other area veterans continue to work. Neu was a driving force behind the highway recognition.

He’s also working to secure a park memorial in Adams’ name.

Neu has been dogged in his pursuit of recognizing Adams, and his commitment is steadfast. He deserves a big thank you from the community for his efforts in the highway dedication, and the support and assistance from community members willing to offer it in his continued pursuit of doing more for Adams’ legacy.

Editorial Board members surely appreciate his work and that of many others. We hope to offer our gratitude once again when Adams, a hero as big as this community has ever had, is given his proper salute and thanks.


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