Letter to the Editor: What does the POW/MIA flag symbolize?
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
To the Editor:
As a Vietnam Era Veteran, I was Most Disturbed to observe the removal of the POW/MIA Flag at the “Shoreline ‘VETERANS’ Recognition Plaza” and having been replaced with the LGBT Rainbow Flag.
The POW/MIA flag was created for the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia and officially recognized by the United States Congress in conjunction with the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue, "as the symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation."
Below the Silhouette on the POW/MIA Flag are the words:
“YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN”
By the City of Shoreline choosing to remove the POW/MIA Flag, does in fact represent “YOU ARE FORGOTTEN!”
The “Shoreline ‘VETERANS’ Recognition Plaza” was created by a number of dedicated VETERANS from many conflicts dating back to World War II. Furthermore, the number of inscribed Bricks in place, at the Plaza, cover VETERANS dating back to 1864. Additionally, this is not about Personal Identity but about Remembering and Honoring those who Served and Sacrificed.
As Veterans, we would like to see the POW/MIA Flag restored before the close of business on Wednesday, 26 June 2019.
Richard B. White, Past Commander
Doug Sanders, Past 1st Commander
Earl Thompson, Finance Officer and Adjutant
Larry D. Fischer, Commander
All of the above are Active Members of The American Legion, Shoreline
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2 comments:
The Rainbow Flag is most likely put up temporarily because June is Pride month. I'm sorry the writer takes such great offense at this. From what I understand, veterans have fought for the rights of all Americans to live and thrive in the United States.
I agree with the author--the "Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza," honoring those who fought for the freedom of every American citizen since WWI, should not become a space for political statements.
It is not appropriate to use this place of honor to support the declaration of ones personal choice.
I am not opposed to the rainbow flag, just where the City has chosen to fly it...among heroes.
The Recognition Plaza should remain just that, a place to remember those who served and as a reminder these men and women should never be forgotten.
As pointed out in the other response, June is Pride month. Well, Veterans don't get a month, they get a day.
Shame on the City.
Move the flag.
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