Memorial vandals have freedom thanks to veterans

A brisk morning walk is a peaceful way to start your day in our beautiful little town, whether you're walking to work or just out with a friend.

For us, besides the exercise, it gives us the opportunity to ponder our good fortune to live in such a special place. While many may pass through and never understand the attraction, those of us who call this our home know better. It's our little secret.

The recent beautification of our downtown adds to the pleasure. Simple things in life are good. Part of that beauty is the Veterans' Memorial honoring those from our community, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Indeed, we have the opportunity to enjoy our freedoms because of their sacrifice. In an election year this is not meant to be a political statement. It makes no difference if you are Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal, black or white, man or woman.

It is just the plain truth. We are very fortunate.

For the individual(s), who recently chose to desecrate the memorial, it is perhaps twisted irony that you don't get it. Yes, you have the freedom to run around with your little can of red spray paint and do as you please because someone earned those freedoms for you.

Ever wonder how your little stunt would go over in downtown Beijing? So what's the big deal anyway? It's just a little spray paint on a wall.

For atonement, we first thought it may have been appropriate for the guilty party, if they were ever caught, to clean up their mess, but someone else in the community has already done this for them.

However, on second thought, it is probably more appropriate for the perpetrators to ask the families whose loved ones names are inscribed on the memorial how they feel about their thoughtless act. Maybe then, hopefully, they'd get it.

Pat and Miki Behrens