Commentary; Posted: 6/7/06
Military service is not based on party designation
Gena Doyscher
Guest Columnist
The Memorial Day Service at Lakeside Memorial Park is always a gift to the community from the American Legion Post 225 and VFW Post 4210 and it is most appreciated. Without the service it would be easy to forget the meaning behind the three-day weekend.
Thank you to the organizations that are involved and to Col. James Noll, who delivered the keynote address.
This year, however, I found it ironic and distracting that the park service had a political party tone.
As the speakers idealized the principals of freedom, on which this country is founded, I wondered why the platform introductions would include a candidate for the House from one party only.
I also wondered whether the organizers wanted to honor the soldiers who have served and are serving their country or whether, in an election year, they wanted to give a platform to politicians. Serving our country is not based on party designation.
A simple introduction of current office holders would keep the emphasis on memorializing the fallen soldiers which is why the audience attends.
It was very brave of Kelly Freudenberg, who lost her son in Iraq, to educate us on the realities our troops face after they come home and to discuss the need to provide follow up support.
When we vote our ìpocketbooksî we often vote to discontinue the specific programs that show we care about our soldiers.
It is unfortunate that the very people who experience the terrible loss of their loved ones are the ones who carry so much of the burden to provide programs for the living.
As this country with its record of ensuring freedom grows larger with seekers of freedom let us recognize the special contribution of minorities who shore up the numbers of troops.
Let us recognize all veterans, including those who served in times of peace.
In the future it would feel less exclusive to be introduced to current office holders only and thereby keep the focus on the vets and their contributions.
Writer Gena Doyscher lives in Forest Lake.
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