By Ron Scheevel
Preston, MN
As I prepare to pen my thoughts on several subjects, I realized I have strong opinions on a few things that are current events.
As I read the sports section of the Rochester’s Post-Bulletin, I noticed that on Monday Night Football, 11 members of the Cleveland Browns football team knelt during the National Anthem. As a veteran, it bothers me that they used this method to express their free speech. Although it is their right, it sets a poor example of patriotism for our youth when our country desperately needs patriots.
Some of the events of this age are so similar to what I saw as a young soldier departing to and returning from Vietnam in 1967. The flag desecration, the taunting of us at the airport in San Francisco, and the general disrespect for authority. It seems that peaceful and respectful protest is difficult for some people once again. While I certainly respect and even encourage peaceful protest of important issues, it really bothers me that our flag and National Anthem are used as tools in these public demonstrations.
In my opinion, it is a great disrespect for all of our veterans who carried the flag, went to war for the flag, and will one day have our caskets covered by the flag. Enough on that subject.
Next is an issue that is very dear to me. Much has been printed about the proposed veterans home in Fillmore County. The two Veterans Home Committees, one in Preston and one in Spring Valley, are working hard to bring a veterans home to Fillmore County. Our first order of business is to secure ten million dollars in state bond funds.
Two other communities are also trying to bring homes to their areas. Although Bemidji and Montevideo have been working longer than us, the needs assessment shows southeast Minnesota has the largest number of underserved veterans.
As we approach the new state legislative session, which is the bonding year, I encourage you to contact your representative and senator and show your support for a home in Fillmore County. Myself and Co-Chair Don Gildner encourage your questions and comments on this matter.
On a more cheerful and positive note, when I drive through our communities it really makes me feel that patriotism is alive and well in our towns.
The flag displays in Preston and Harmony are awesome. Also when we (our color guard) march in the local parades and people stand, remove their hats and applaud respectfully, it sends chills down this old soldier’s spine. Thanks for your support.
As this summer represents 50 years since I was counting the days I had left in Vietnam, I say a prayer for all my comrades who didn’t return home and also for those who did and carry the scars of all the wars. As we go forward we must pray for the end of armed conflict. May God bless our troops, our veterans and “God Bless the USA.”
Sincerely,
The “Old Soldier”
Aaron says
Thank You for your service to our country, Old Solder. On the subject of the NFL players; the NFL should not allow these advocates to use their platform to express their dishonor to America.