Our veteran memorials should never be off-limits to veterans

The Way I See It

by DON WEST

I have to wonder, and I feel it is my duty as an American citizen, a war veteran, and a columnist to point out a number of instances when your elected President of the United States, the Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful armed forces in the world, has denigrated and dishonored the very forces that he supposedly commands.

Many have seen the picture of “The King” standing while the National Anthem was being played, with his hands clasped in front of his crotch. The picture and the event are confirmed by Snopes.com, a website touted to be extremely liberal. It is a documented fact that “The King” has suggested that the military pay for their own healthcare; “after all, they volunteered for the military.” His refusal to wear an American flag pin on his lapel is simply another small slap in the face for all those who have served their country with honor.

However, his latest affront to the veterans and their families took place on Memorial Day in Washington, D.C. I have received numerous letters and comments regarding the fact that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was off limits to veterans and the families of those whose names are inscribed on The Wall so that “The King” could have a photo op with some hand-selected people at the memorial.

Let me first say that I understand the need to protect the president and his entourage from those “crazies” who may be lurking out there with thoughts of doing evil. However, a president has much to say and influences decisions as to his appearances and the scheduling thereof. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, to defend and protect this nation. The honor is bestowed upon them, among other ways, by families, friends, and other veterans who served, visiting the memorials erected in their honor. Memorial Day was not established for “The King’s” photo ops. Obviously, he is alive, therefore not in the list of those being honored and, like former President Clinton, chose not to serve in the Armed Forces. I guess I will never understand that particular quirk of holding the highest office in this country. One chosen to lead the most powerful military in the world should have experienced serving honorably to protect and defend our shores. However, even if they have chosen not to serve, the president should be well aware of the sacrifices made and do everything in his or her power to pay tribute to the many who gave their all in defense of this country.

The closing off of certain areas of Washington where these heroes were being honored on this past Memorial Day is an absolutely disgraceful and distasteful slap in the face to the men and women honored and their families, friends, and comrades with whom they served. Barack Hussein Obama, you should be ashamed of yourself. You have no honor, respect or integrity. You are not fit to lead this nation. Do all of us a favor and stay away from those places of honor where true heroes are memorialized. You simply desecrate those honored places with your presence. May God have mercy on your soul.

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Posted by Graphic Designer 2 on Jun 7 2012. Filed under Editorial Columns. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.