Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Web page workers. Ship your letters to [email protected]
The Vietnam Conflict occurred throughout my childhood. At the moment, I didn’t notice what was happening or why a Vietnam veteran dwelling in my residence complicated had dedicated suicide after coming house. As I grew older it began to make sense to me and I made the selection to depart house once I was 17 years outdated and serve in america Navy. In doing so, my mom needed to signal over permission for me to enlist — which she did selflessly. I knew it, even then, that I used to be making a sacrifice that was essential.
Whereas serving abroad, nearly instantly I felt a powerful unity constructing amongst my fellow service women and men. I would like extra People to grasp the sacrifice veterans make to guard our freedom. I would like extra People to see america flag and really feel the satisfaction I do and never disrespect it the way in which many do.
In 1996, I got here to Maine with my husband and in 2006 I turned concerned with Maine’s American Legion. My job as Americanism Officer (2021-2022) was to advance patriotism and good citizenship; to encourage allegiance to the flag and to defend it within the identify of liberty and justice. Maine is a veteran-rich state, one of many richest within the nation, with one out of 10 residents having served. Each one among them left their households and their private comforts behind to guard us and our freedom. Too typically we overlook, which is why I’ve labored my lifetime to remind individuals.
The Washington County challenge aiming to construct the world’s largest American flagpole in Columbia Falls has my full assist. Flagpole of Freedom Park will honor each single man and lady who’ve served America for the reason that Revolutionary Conflict. It’s the grandest gesture I’ve ever seen to show how America was formed by battle, and the way it emerged stronger and higher for it every time.
This challenge is extremely spectacular, a lot in order that it might appear not possible. However, I’ve religion will probably be accomplished and it’ll assure that nobody ever forgets the sacrifices made for the attractive flag of our nation. It is a chance to pay our veterans the grand respect they deserve.
Tricia Thurston
2nd Vice Commander
Maine American Legion
Winslow
