To the editor
My father, Richard, comes from a family of six sons and two daughters. He and all five of his brothers served in the military, during times of war and peace. After serving his country in the armed forces, he served his community as a police officer.
Perhaps that is why, when one of my four brothers was shipped out to fight in the first gulf war, in 1991, and when the same images of dissent, reminiscent of the Vietnam era, were flashed across the television screens, my father was moved to compose this short poem for his son overseas:
"Our Greatest Treasure
Though tattered, though torn
though knocked to the ground,
though spat upon and stepped upon
It makes not a sound.
Though laughed at and ridiculed
though burned and defiled
though marred and defaced,
It never gets riled.
But let one single person
be denied one single right,
It will unfurl its power,
It will demonstrate its might.
It will bring forth its armies
Its lawyers, its courts,
It will be your champion
to fight crimes or torts.
It is the very symbol
for which many have died,
It is our very foundation,
this can’t be denied.
Although some may treat it
like a dirty old rag,
It is our greatest treasure,
"Old Glory Our Flag"
To me, this poem sums up what it means to live in America, citizen or not. This poem illustrates the freedoms and liberty that all of us enjoy, and the fact that only in America can people defile our flag with impunity and then call for protection from that very same symbol of democracy.
When I was informed at last Monday’s council meeting by Manville’s recreation director of the rally to support our troops the offer to share this poem was immediate and enthusiastic, and his acceptance was equally so.
The poem means a great deal to me and during the week I worked out the short script you read above.
I was informed on Sunday morning about an hour before the rally, that the mayor would not allow it. He never contacted me, rather preferred to work through others to censor me based on my public involvement.
I am proud to share this poem with my neighbors by any means, but cannot hide or bottle away my disgust at the disrespect I was shown on Sunday.
A private citizen played an inspired rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" on his trumpet and the mayor personally read a rather insightful letter written by a seventh-grade student from another town.
Both were accepted gladly, yet my words were shut out. A public figure, and former serviceman, might have had more respect and tact than to let personal feelings directly undermine the message being celebrated that day.
As I stood in the rain with my fellow Manville patriots, Mayor Corradino’s words of freedom fell on deaf ears, but this is America and I feel this matter must see light. God Bless America.
North Third Avenue