Please consider a contrarian viewpoint. These are children in a taxpayer funded institution being educated in the ways and traditions of this great nation. They are not mature adults capable of living with the consequences of their own decisions. They are children, being taught how to become good American citizens, with all its privileges and responsibilities. (Is it possible that there are those who would teach them not to be good and loyal citizens?)
One of their responsibilities will be to serve their county in time of need. There are now 25 million veterans who have served — at a cost of 2.5 million casualties. I am one of those veterans. Like my family before me in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Spanish American War, my father in WW I, my older cousins in WW II, and younger cousins in Korea and Vietnam.
I have trod the beaches of Operation Torch in North Africa, paid my respects on (Utah) beach in Normandy with its eerie feeling, stood over the battleship Arizona several times and watched the oil droplets surface, placed my hand on the Arizona's ship's bell as well as the Liberty Bell.
I have spent time at a place called Dachau, walked through the gas chambers, the oven rooms, the ash pits and have seen women in Germany with a number and an inverted triangle tattooed on their
If it were possible to
poll the 25 million men and women armed forces
veterans on this State Board of Education question,
what do you think the
result would be?
If it were possible to poll the women and old men who worked in the factories and farms during national emergencies, on this question, what do you think the results would be?
How about Julius and Ethel Rosenberg? Convicted and executed for espionage and treason.
How about Alger Hiss? Russel McNutt? Convicted and guilty of espionage.
How about the old Navy chief that I worked with in North Africa who'd been on duty Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor?
Having traveled the world and having served in some pretty awful places, I have come to the conclusion that we Americans live in the best country in the world. Our culture, society, way of life and industry have brought more benefits to even our most disadvantaged than any other place in the world.
This week, we bury my friend, Sgt. Hank Pohlmann (Purple Heart, Bronze Star - Saipan). How do you think he'd answer the question?
What do you think the Navajo Code Talkers and San Juan County's three Medal of Honor recipients answer to the question would be?
I believe our State Public Education Department should foster and promote patriotism, respect for our nation and for those who have sacrificed to build and protect this, the greatest nation that has ever existed on the face of the Earth, ever!
Americans are very good at what they do. We may need these kids that are in school today to answer their country's call in her time of need sometime in the future. It would be appropriate that they uniquely understand the Pledge of Allegiance.
Elliott A. Riggs is a petroleum geologist in Farmington. He retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve with the rank of lieutenant.
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