I endorse any recognition of men and women who have served in
our nation’s military services, especially those who were in
service during wartime. So, I was pleased at the tribute paid to
them during Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Dear Editor:
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I endorse any recognition of men and women who have served in our nation’s military services, especially those who were in service during wartime. So, I was pleased at the tribute paid to them during Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Charlie Scott and other of the veterans’ posts worked hard to make it a memorable occasion, especially so since it was a re-dedication of the Veterans Memorial Building. The City of Hollister has done a remarkably good job with the building’s renovation and should be complimented on such. But, a few thoughts occurred to me at the time and I have since heard similar comments from both other veterans and non-veterans.
Even with the re-dedication, there were too many speakers. Two hours is far too long for people to stand or even sit in the sun, especially if they are old. Most of the speakers spoke too long and were repetitious, taking time to recognize someone in the audience who had contributed something or other or to introduce a dignitary. State Sen. Jeff Denham got a big non-partisan hand by keeping his speech under a minute.
Three former prisoners-of-war from World War II and I, a Korean War POW, did get seats – in the sun. We had requested an additional chair, which traditionally remains empty to symbolize those men who are still missing in action, but were denied. Because of the length of the program we were also denied the opportunity to read “The POW’s Prayer.”
I reluctantly point out these things in the hope that those in charge of future veterans’ tributes may benefit from them.
Let’s put the emphasis on the veteran, not civic officials, at our next veterans’ memorial.
Chuck Williams,
Hollister
