Dear Editor,
In the 1960s my public school teachers taught my classmates and me to be patriotic and have respect for Americans who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. To this day I have many pages of a long list of Medal of Honor recipients and their addresses. My mother typed up that list of living heroes from that time. She and the ladies of our community honored those veterans who risked their lives for our freedom.
I was embarrassed by a recent video of two unpatriotic representatives from Congress who laughed at and mocked heroes who received appropriate medals for their bravery and service to our country. The giving of earned recognition during the State of the Union address was not based on a party. These honors were well deserved.
Shame on those who would not stand for America and Americans during that speech. Shame on those who mocked courageous, wounded veterans who achieved outstanding successes in battle. Shame on those seated in the U.S. Congress who dishonored a rescuer of about 165 flood victims and laughed at a serviceman who was shot in the head and survived. According to George Washington, that guard with the head wound deserved his Purple Heart medal with Washington’s image on it. Why would any American (especially a member of our Congress) laugh at and mock what George Washington said should be done for that man who shed his blood for our freedom — especially in Washington, D. C.
Yours for a better America,
Dan Manka