Veterans Day
Dear Editor: It has become a kind of mantra in America today, repeated almost reflexively: “Thank you for your service.” For the combat vets particularly, an expression of gratitude is more than appropriate, and beyond so for those who ultimately sacrificed. Truth told, even those of us who never got down range while serving can tell you that there are many ways to find injury and worse in the peacetime military. It is for certain an undertaking for grownups.
That said, I came to the realization not many years after returning to civilian life that being permitted to serve was a privilege, the opposite side of that coin being that the military in America today is a better society than the one it is sworn to serve. The two have widely diverged.
Personal accountability in civilian America these days is a floating decimal point, while our military retains what was best about it always – meritocracy. Everything earned, nothing given, from day one of boot or basic. All hands at reveille up and headed in the same direction, and the only color that ever matters is the hue of the uniform. Order obtains, unity is non-negotiable, pride striven for, not conferred.
Those of us who served, and who are serving, are tremendously lucky to have been afforded the opportunity.
Charles Dean, Sitka
Vote for Himschoot
Dear Editor: I am planning on voting for Rebecca Himschoot for State Representative in the November election. During her time on the Sitka Assembly, Rebecca has proven herself to be thoughtful,collegial, hardworking, and a critical thinker and problem solver.
We need someone in Juneau to represent Sitka who has these qualities. We need someone who will be able to work with Independents, Republicans and Democrats in a collaborative manner to address the pressing issues of the region and state. Rebecca is this person.
Join me in voting for Rebecca Himschoot for State Representative.
Susan Litman, Sitka
