Kendrick Children Inherited Father's Legacy

To the Editor:

As I attended the Will S. Kendrick Sports Complex dedication ceremony on April 04, 2008, I was caused to reflect on an era of yesteryear, days gone by; however, not forgotten.

While Franklin County Commissioner Cheryl Sanders introduced and recognized her brother Will S. Kendrick, Florida State Representative, District 10 and spoke of his character; I couldn't help but reminisce and visualize their father and a superb individual. The late Ralph G. Kendrick was a unique human being to say the very least; a true sportsman hailing from 100 percent pure North Florida pioneer stock. Mr. Ralph's genuine concern for his neighbors and fellow citizens is most certainly echoed and reflected through his children, and their civil, moral and political endeavors.

While my father, SFC William F. Daniels, U.S. Army Ret., was serving God and country in Vietnam for two tours of duty, (1967-68 and 1970-71), I had the extreme pleasure and fortune to live in Carrabelle, surrounded by a massive support group of friends and family during these difficult times, shrouded with uncertainty.

Being a close friend of our family, both maternal and paternal, Mr. Ralph Kendrick played a major role of surrogate father and mentor during my dad's absence. He would take me to their camp on New River, fishing and even turkey hunting. Mr. Ralph was an excellent woodsman and hunter; however, we never managed to harvest a bird when I accompanied him on these excursions. The elusive tom gobbler is an extremely wary quarry to pursue, especially with a snotty-nosed kid in tow; Mr. Ralph didn't care, he took me anyway. I admired Mr. Ralph so much that I even named a pet raccoon after him. During these troubling times, I needed a strong influential figure to help form my character and fill the voids in my life; somehow I think that Mr. Ralph knew this and he made personal sacrifices in order to accommodate those needs.

Upon visiting the Ralph G. Kendrick Dwarf Cypress Boardwalk and Observatory on the High Bluff Tract of the Tate's Hell State Forest a couple of years ago; I discovered that Mr. Ralph's portrait had been vandalized. An obvious and blatant act of cowardice had desecrated this sacred and hallowed ground, and it greatly saddened my heart. People, we're obligated to society and humankind to raise our children better than this; if in fact it were even a juvenile that committed this atrocious and disgusting act. I've visited this mystic and serene location on occasion to: pay homage, tribute and respect to a legendary friend, father figure and avid sportsman; gather thoughts and cleanse the soul; admire and enjoy the peace, beauty and tranquility associated with one of God's finest natural wonders.

While I sit here and exercise my 1st Amendment right to "Freedom of Expression, Press, and Speech," my initial intentions are to list some of' "our" District 10 State Representative's many achievements and accomplishments. However, I've come to the realization that the Times; Apalachicola, Carrabelle, or even the infamous New York, are not willing to provide me with this vast amount of space in their editorials. I'll make a valid effort to be concise and summarize, in lieu of elaboration and explain why Representative Kendrick and Commissioner Sanders do what they do; it's genetics.

Both of them inherited an unyielding concern and unconditional love for the people, and they'll relentlessly exhaust their resources to improve the quality of life for others; even at personal cost and sacrifice. In a nutshell; this sibling pair of homegrown politicians has fought hard as advocators, communicators and representatives for the people of Franklin County and District 10. We as citizens owe Cheryl and Will a great debt of gratitude, as they've been a strong voice for the people, a voice that has been abundantly heard. The many answers and replies to "our" voices have been manifested through immense economical, educational and recreational opportunities for us, the people.

Please read the following words closely, because the rest of what I've got to express has already been written, and it's been written so much better than I could ever imagine to write it. As Mr. Abraham Lincoln closed one of the most famous speeches known to mankind and modern civilization: The Gettysburg Address, he concluded, "that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

The tiny little prepositions: of; by and for, utilized in this awesome address from the 16th President of "our" United States of America are extremely small in statute; however, overwhelmingly powerful in actual application. Representative Kendrick and Commissioner Sanders have diligently and enthusiastically performed the duties of an elected official. Duties performed in the exact manner that Mr. Lincoln was referring; in accordance with and consistent to his prophetic and monumental act some 145 years ago; and for this, "we." the citizens of District 10 and Franklin County, are genuinely and sincerely grateful. THANKS!

Godspeed,

Greg, Evie and Jamie Daniels

Carrabelle