Try Edwards for Treason

Message to America: Respect Memorial Day By National Commander Paul A. Morin Photo by John Raughter Here is a surprise, I am not going to defend theIraq war. I won’t even explain the importance ofthe war on terrorism. VA budget? Not today.That’s because this column is about Memorial Day,a hallowed day that should be about honoring themore than one million men and women who died inthe service of this nation in wars and conflictsdating back to 1775. It should be above politics.Period. Yet one presidential candidate has blatantlyviolated the sanctity of this most special day. Irecently received an e-mail from a group called“Supportthetroopsendthewar.com.”

It included avideo of former Sen. John Edwards. He calls onAmericans to use Memorial Day weekend as a timeto “bring an end to this war.” Shockingly, thevideo is titled “A Memorial Day Message from JohnEdwards,” with the smoking gun note, “Paid for byJohn Edwards for President.” Moreover, the e-mailrecommends that Americans bring signs with themessage “Support the troops, End the War” tolocal Memorial Day parades. Revolting is a kindword for it. It’s as inappropriate as a politicalbumper sticker on an Arlington headstone. Edwards is hardly the first politician fromeither political party to exploit this day, aholiday that was consecrated with the blood ofAmerican heroes. But the e-mail makes me sicknonetheless. It needs to stop. This isn’t aboutEdwards, it’s about everybody.

As nationalcommander of The American Legion, I implore allcandidates to refrain from politicking onMemorial Day. The families of those killed in war should not beled to believe that their loved ones died for aless-than-worthy cause. They died because theytook an oath to defend this nation and itsConstitution. The sacrifice is the same whetherit’s for a “popular war” or an unpopular one.Memorial Day should be an occasion to bringAmericans together to honor these heroes. It brings to mind the words of Army SergeantFirst Class Jack Robison, who recently wrote fromIraq, “Sometimes I think God must be creating anelite unit in heaven, because He only seems toselect the very best soldiers to bring homeearly.” If you want to honor these heroes, visit aveterans cemetery on Memorial Day. Attend aparade without the divisive political signs. Makecards for the comrades of the fallen that arerecuperating in military and VA hospitals. Lay awreath at the stone of a departed hero. We Americans need to remember why Memorial Day isspecial.

It’s not about picnics or trips to thebeach. It’s not about making pro- or anti-warstatements. It’s not about supporting politicalcandidates. It’s about honor, duty and theultimate sacrifice. It’s about people who havedecided that the United States is worth dying for.