I served in the US Army for two years during the Vietnam War. I was stationed in Korea. I did that out of a sense of obligation to our nation. It was two years out of my life that I would have used in a different way. I am grateful that I survived being in the army. In contrast to those who gave their lives during their time of service, my two years of sacrifice amounted to very little.
I am filled with both gratitude and fear on this Memorial Day. Gratitude for those who gave their lives and for those who continue laying their lives on the line to secure the privilege that allows the rest of us to go about our daily lives without fear of enemies. My fear arises from the words and deeds of a significant number of American citizens who can’t see, or refuse to see, that one of our candidates for President is using language that echoes one of the most horrific dictators in history…Adolf Hitler. The possibility that this candidate, who demeans those who have died, been wounded, or are still serving, could again be our president strikes fear in me.
This Memorial Day, I pray for those who have served and are faithfully serving now to ensure that their service will not be in vain.
Darrell Parsons
Talbot County
Talbot County
Brenda Stone says
Thank you, Darrell. As a Navy nurse during the Vietnam war I saw the physical and emotional sacrifices our young men and women made for our country. Those who served and are serving now should be getting respect and thanks. I am appalled at the notion that a Presidential candidate belittles our servicemen and women!
parsons says
Thank you Brenda. My thoughts exactly.
Tom Ledvina says
Amen
Darrell parsons says
Thank you.
Damiene Nelson says
Incredible letter. Thank you for your service.
Darrell parsons says
Thank you.
John Fischer says
As a veteran who lost many friends and comrades in battle, Mr. Parsons, it disgusts me that you would usurp the day dedicated to their service, sacrifice and memory as a vehicle to insert a partisan political message. Shame on you.
Darrell parsons says
Mr. Fischer, I hear you, and understand what you are saying. I guessed some might find it offensive. Despite that, my determination to say it was strengthened even more when I read this morning that the Memorial Day message of the politician to whom I referred, began his message to veterans with this: “Happy Memorial Day to All, including the Human Scum that is working so hard to destroy our Once Great Country“. His message goes on, full of political stuff, but not once does his message mention past or present veterans, their sacrifices or the sacrifices of their friends and families. People like you and me. To me, my comments are not politically motivated. I don’t respect the politician in question, but it’s not his politics which prompted me to write. It is the lack of respect he clearly has for you, me, or any other veteran. He has a global podium from which he can display this. I believe I’m on the right track to express myself in our local newspaper.
Jerry McConnell says
There’s actually nothing more inappropriate in that letter than were the hateful words of our (then) C I C, which demeaned and insulted our country’s current and former servicemen and women. Your letter, on the other hand, clearly illustrates the hypocrisy and arrogance of loyalists who feign ignorance of the negative impact of that disgusting liar’s words and actions. Your indignation is artificial and misplaced.
Michael Pullen says
Thank you for your service, then and now.
My uncle saw what was coming in the Pacific and enlisted before the outbreak of WW II and was stationed in the Philippines on Dec. 7, 1941. He received the Silver Star for gallantry in action on Bataan and was executed on May 31, 1942 after escaping from a POW Camp.
I too pray that his patriotism and his sacrifice shall not be in vain.
Darrell parsons says
Thank you for sharing about your Uncle. He is exactly the kind of person who came to mind when I was prompted to write. What he did was a selfless act of risking (and losing) his life for the values he believed in.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Darrell, this is a wonderful piece. My father left medical school and joined the Marines in WW11. He fought in three wars, losing his life in his 60s to pancreatic cancer, most likely from Agent Orange (Round
Up). He married the General’s daughter; our family has been in military service from the beginning.
I must say that I’m happy he has not witnessed the devolution of his Republican Party. That generation had character and honor. Anyone,
and I mean everyone who supports Trump is an embarrassment
to our country and lacks integrity. Shame on all of them.
Jerry McConnell says
5*