It's Memorial Day, when we remember those who have fought and died for us.

So, it seemed fitting to see what we could get done for a veteran this week.

David Fulton is a disabled veteran who likes to walk on the Cooper Creek walking trail that was installed back in the 1980s, just for those with physical limitations.

Problem is, a long stretch of the trail is old rough blacktop that is cracked and uneven, bulging up in places and dipping down in others. It creates a hazard for those, like Fulton, who use a cane. Others might use a wheelchair and it would certainly be a teeth-rattling ride over stretches of the trail.

On top of that, "The handrails are atrocious and the benches are falling apart," Fulton said.

So, I rode on over there to scope it out. It's a great trail, except for the aforementioned atrocities. It's shaded in many places and runs alongside a creek, which could very well be Cooper Creek. It finishes up following the bank of the lake and ends at a covered shelter that has a dock jutting out into the lake.

But Fulton's right. The railing is ancient and wooden. It leans out toward the water in places, is rotting away in others and has plain disappeared in some spots.

In those, someone came up with a "repair" that looks to be the work of a jack-leg plumber armed with a box of tools and a bottle of Four Roses.

The benches are also in bad shape and there just aren't enough for a facility that caters to people who might need to stop and rest more often than others.

And I might point out that this is nothing new. In researching this column, I came across a 1998 article pointing out the same kinds of problems 14 years ago.

I spoke to Parks and Recreation Director James Worsley, who said he's well aware of the trail's shortcomings and it's on the department's list of things that need addressing.

"But that takes money," he said, and there's not a lot of that lying around these days. In fact, there is no money in the proposed budget for that kind of capital outlay.

But if Columbus Council wanted to fund such a repair, he would certainly be glad to carry it out.

It just so happens that Columbus Council is in the midst of preparing the fiscal 2013 city budget right now.

In fact, they're meeting tomorrow for a budget session, and I'll be there to cover it. (Imagine my unbridled glee.)

I'll let you know what they say about providing a safe, secure amenity for the handicapped, especially those who might have been handicapped in the service of their country.

Not that I'd stoop to shaming anyone.

Update

Let's stick with the Memorial Day theme in our update today.

Patriotic Readers will remember a couple of weeks back when we noticed that a flag flying over a monument to a soldier killed in Vietnam had been overtaken by trees growing up around it. Old Glory was barely visible unless you knew where to look.

I mentioned it to City Manager Isaiah Hugley, and the next time I drove by the monument in Heath Park, the trees were neatly trimmed back.

Now, the flag is clearly visible over the memorial to Maj. James Conrad Adams, whom we remember today for his service and sacrifice.

Seen something that needs work? Contact me at 706-571-8570 or mowen@ledger-enquirer.com.