Veteran Appreciation Day

Veteran Appreciation Day

To the editor:
I would like to thank the various schools in the area that had different programs honoring the county’s Veterans. I believe most went off without a hitch. I was raised and educated in Mars Hill. I am a member of the American Legion Post 118, located in Mars Hill and VFW Post 2599, in Presque Isle.

On Nov. 10, I called my dad in Mars Hill to see if he wanted to attend the breakfast honoring all Veterans. Dad declined, which in a way, I am glad he did. Dad is a WWII veteran. I served in the Vietnam era. My years of service information was given to a teacher whom I have known since I was a sophomore in high school at CAHS. During the program, they introduced and acknowledged all veterans and spouses except for one. I am glad my dad was not present to see the hurt and humiliation I endured at the program. I was seated next to the Commander and his wife of the American Legion in Mars Hill. During a lull in the ceremony, I stood up and stated to the local Commander, “If I cannot be recognized as a Veteran, then I do not need to be here!” My wife and I got up and walked out before the program continued.
Kevin Grass, the CAHS principal, was in the hallway. I informed him of the problem with the ongoing program in the auditorium as we left. Yes, I was hurt and humiliated, as I know most of the Veterans who had just been introduced to everyone in the auditorium. One thing about it, they will never get the chance to do it again!