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Letter to the Editor

By Tony Georges III

My father was a vet, who served in the USAF in 1971-72 in Vietnam. Decorated with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, honorably discharged. I am very proud of the many accomplishments he achieved in his short life (he passed away due to HIV in 1990) and very proud to call all of you my fellow countrymen and women.

I write this letter to speak out to someone who shares a similar view as I over the escalating war in the Middle East. Though my father enlisted to serve his country, he did not agree with the government's reasoning on why we were in Vietnam. I have been instilled, by him, with the notion that no war is a good thing, regardless of the motive or justification. Knowing him the way I got to know him, as a friend as well as a dad, I KNOW in my heart that he would be as much — if not more — opposed to this war as I myself.

I'm tired of being spoon-fed rhetoric by the media and supposed patriots, who believe waving the flag in my face and going along with whatever they are told is patriotic. I honestly believe speaking out and standing up for what I believe is right IS the patriotic thing to do. I've been told many times in the last few weeks the classic "LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT" and keep my same retort of "If I don't love it, I'd rather change it. THAT is what democracy is all about."

It's nice to know that there are people like all of you out there still standing up for what you believe in and you can back it with facts and experience, instead of "It's what I heard on FOX."

I would be interested in joining your organization if you accept children of vets. I myself have never spent any time in the armed services (probably due to the fact that I saw the way Vietnam vets were treated by the government upon their return, and watched friends of mine go through similar situations during the Gulf War, Part 1) but am an American willing to speak my views on the way I believe this great country should be run.

I have the utmost respect for ALL veterans and even more for the POWs/MIAs that I will NEVER forget. (I have the emblem tattooed on my left shoulder) and would be honored to be a part of your organization. I spent much of my preteens volunteering time at our local Vietnam Vets Outreach Center, here in Queens NYC.

Please let me know if it is possible for me to join the ranks of the true American heroes.

I want to work to bring all of our men and women home from this war as soon as possible. To embrace and thank them for doing their job, regardless of my opinions on what their "bosses" tell them is right. And to bring every current and past POW/MIA home.

I thank you all for your time, service and undying passion to doing the right thing.

Peace & Love,
Tony Georges III
Woodhaven, NY