Thursday evening I had the pleasure of attending our monthly Veterans for Peace meeting in Saint Louis. Fundraising discussions dominated much of the two hour session. As various ideas were being banted about, Reese mentioned an experience that he and one other VFP member encountered a few years ago at a local Veterans Administration (VA) Center.
Upon arriving at the center to do some volunteer work, both men were given a choice; change their shirts or leave. In case they refused, a couple of security guards were on hand to assist them with their decision. Why were they told to change their shirts or leave? Both men were wearing Veterans for Peace T-Shirts with a dove carrying an olive branch logo on the front, and a I Hate War, quote by Dwight Eisenhower on the back. They were told that they were displaying an un-patriotic & anti-American atmosphere.
As this was during the George W. Bush administration, it was not a complete shock. This was the sentiment that unfortunately permeated America during the Bush regime. I have to ask…..since when did promoting peace become anti-American? If there are any who have the right to speak about promoting a more peaceful world, it’s veterans who know the ravage of war.
Defending the concept of peace is not un-patriotic or anti-American. We, Veterans for Peace members, are staunchly pro-defense, pro-troops, & pro-America. And we defy anyone to question our patriotism!
“I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, as only one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.” —General Dwight David Eisenhower
Trivia question…..Correct answer & you could win a $25.00 Barnes & Noble gift card. Send your response to forrestredd@rocketmail.com
Who was Colin Powell’s successor as Secretary of State?
