To the editor:

The United States of America began with ideas and words, very important ideas and very compelling words. Men and women were willing to take the risk of leaving behind their homeland, families and belongings for the hope of a dream, the dream of a place where all people were created equal, and where all people had fundamental rights, free speech, freedom of religion, due process and freedom of assembly. We still cherish that dream today and strive to make it a reality.

But all the ideas in the world, no matter how noble, mean little without the willingness to put all on the line for them. Those who wrote the Declaration of Independence knew that many would likely die for the ideals that birthed this country. Because of the men and women who did and still do, we enjoy the fruits of this great democracy.

But without our military, both active and retired from duty, none of us would have freedom of speech, religion, assembly or any other freedoms for that matter. When they took their oaths to serve, those who entered the military did not designate whom they would protect. They risked all, for us all, no matter race, religion, or sexual orientation. We should all be indebted to them eternally, for without them there would be no United States of America.

Sadly, this town, my town for all my life, has failed to do that and it grieves me deeply to say that.

The Veterans Memorial at Town Hall has been hijacked and used as a political tool and when the veterans of our town expressed their displeasure at this turn of events, not only have their pleadings been ignored, they have been called names… non inclusive, closed minded, even racists. The men and women who laid their lives on the line for all of us, who are the reason America can exist, and that is how we show our respect to them? Gut wrenching.

The Town Council and the Town Manager can continue down this misguided path and there is little our veterans can do. Those in power will not change their minds. That has been made clear to our veterans. So they have asked to have the flagpole and plaques moved to another location in town where their memorial will not be a vehicle for whatever “moral values” the Council and Manager decide to promote that month. They have even offered to raise funds for the transition.

Yet they have been told that the Veterans Memorial will not be moved. It belongs to the Town.

Let that sink in my friends. The Veterans Memorial may “belong” to the town. But how quickly we forget that there would be no town, no state, and no United States of America without the men and women who fought to make it free and ensure that it stays free.

If they do not want to be used for political purposes, and let there be no doubt about it, they are, the least the leaders of this town can do is give the veterans a site on town property with a simple flag pole, an American flag, and a plaque recognizing their service.

If you care at all about freedom, the people who made that decision need to hear from you. You put them into office and they hire the Town Manager. You need to make it known to them that you support our veterans, who have always supported you, and if they want a different site for their memorial, it should be granted to them.

For without them, there is no us.

Mary Teixeira

Barrington