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Tuesday, 07 November 2006 16:15 |
ǃÚ06 Veterans Day program in Asheville termed pitiful
I have just received a copy of the cityës program for a Veterans Day ceremony.
To say the least, it is a pitiful illustration of what our cityës leaders ÇƒÓ with a couple of notable exceptions ÇƒÓ think of those who made the ultimate sacrifice so they have the freedom to criticize our country.
Our Asheville City Council has demonstrated its disdain for those in uniform in its recent anti-American, anti-military gouging of our local soldier-citizens, but what can we expect when the most patriotic thing one member could think of was that some of HIS RELATIVES once served?ß?Ï
On
the attached program, note that there is no invocation, no benediction,
no recognition of veterans in attendance, no placement of a wreath, not
even the playing of Taps or a rifle salute! Nevertheless, it is
incumbent on those citizens who give a damn about our troops to attend
the ceremony ÇƒÓ such as it is ÇƒÓ if at all possible.
And if you do
attend, show your appreciation to Mayor Bellamy for playing a role.
Sheës been present at every patriotic ceremony (Memorial Day and
Veterans Day) conducted in the city for many years.
Mark the date/time on your calendars now! See you there!
WALT PLAUE
Asheville
EDITORëS NOTE: The city will host an observance of Veterans Day at 11 a.m. Saturday at City Hall in downtown Asheville.
City urged to roll back 91% increase for Reserve
EDITORëS
NOTE: A copy of the following letter, addressing Walter Plaue, Nathan
Ramsey, chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners,
Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy, members of Asheville City Council and
friends, was sent to the Daily Planet by Bill Fishburne, who is senior
editor of The Asheville Tribune:
ï
Most of the members of the Army Reserve on Louisiana are veterans of our current war.
If the city
really wants to honor local vets they could start with the announcement
on Veterans Day that they intend to roll back the unconscionable 91
percent rent increase they just approved. I for one am tired of
politicians who pay lip service to the troops and then fail to follow
through.
I point out again that the only member of this council who has put on a
uniform and put himself in harms way for his country had the
understanding and experience to speak out and vote against the rent
increase that night.
Contrast this sorry state with the situation in 1950 when seven WWII
veterans and others who actually lived through that life-changing time
were thrilled with the idea of an Army Reserve Center in Asheville and
rented it to the Army for $1 for 50 years.
As for people who did not serve constantly referring to veterans as
"heroes," that wears a little thin when actions speak louder than
words. Most of us who served werenët heroes at all. Whether we were
drafted or volunteered doesnët matter either. At some point, we just
knew it was the right thing to do.
Go visit the VA sometime. Sit in Clinic One and ask everyone who comes
through if he was a hero. Not a man will claim it, but theyëll tell you
about some who were, most of whom died trying to do their duty and
protect their buddies.
Praising veterans and worshiping them as heroes while you jack up their
rent to pay for decorative streetlamps is about as deceptive as you can
get.
BILL FISHBURNE
U.S. Army, 1967-1974
Asheville
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