I was confused by Lucy S.R. Austen’s May 31 letter “Ceremony doesn’t earn a gold star.” She opens her letter praising some of the activities at the Fort Vancouver Memorial Day ceremony — taps, Patriot Guards, gun salutes, wreath laying, etc., then runs a diatribe aimed at the Community Military Appreciation Committee whose volunteer members organized the ceremony.
I attended and assisted because in my 38 years of military service, I lost friends in combat and went to honor those who gave their lives. Perhaps Austen wasn’t aware of the special reception held for Gold Star families in the Marshall House prior to the outside activities taking place. She also may not have noticed the gold cloth seating made available to those Gold Star family members. I can’t recall a single speaker who did not refer to the Gold Star families there or the thousands of others that were not there.
Yes, I think time should be taken to recognize the volunteers and sponsors who made the entire effort worthwhile. To me the focus of the event was on those who gave their lives, but I see nothing wrong for speaking about our current service members who daily put their lives on the line for this nation.
As far as the politicians are concerned, Austen should direct her comments directly to them, as CMAC has no control over what they say.
