I have had the pleasure of working with Pearl Williams, mother of Maj. Williams, and other committee members for the past five years. Each year it must be a little more successful than the previous year, which is our goal. Yet, we have not achieved the growth in success that this event deserves.
This tournament is an effort to raise scholarship funds for deserving Jacksonville State students in memory of Maj. Williams, who was killed at the Pentagon on 9/11. I thank all of our past and present players for their support. But after five years, we should count more than 40 players. As Americans, we should never forget what happened on 9/11. But somehow I feel we have forgotten, as evidenced by the small number of players who turn out each year. We are not as big as other local tournaments, but we are just as deserving. Local golfers, we need your support.
I also would like to thank the Jacksonville News for its full-page, great coverage of our event on June 2. But it’s a shame that only one small paragraph was afforded to us by The Star. No photos, no story. How quickly The Star seems to have forgotten this local hero.
Committee members are already planning next year’s event in early June. We need players and local media support to help continue our successful scholarship efforts. I know we can count on our sponsors (contributors) to continue their great support.
Please remember the sacrifice made by Maj. Williams and others on that fateful day. It is our job as Americans to do our part to carry on in not only Maj. Williams’ name, but in all of their names. Playing in and supporting this memorial tournament is one way to never forget 9/11.
Robert Mills
Jacksonville
