EDITOR:

The Father of our Country, George Washington, comes first: Military genius, first President and the “Man Who Wouldn’t Die”. Prior to the Revolutionary War, Washington led an army fighting the French and Indians in that War. In one ferocious battle, the Indians were ordered to target Washington specifically. Despite heavy Colonial losses, Washington remained unscathed. Decades later, one of the Indian Chiefs shared with Washington the specific death directive. God had bigger plans.

Honest Abe Lincoln, usually known as our greatest President and famous for so many reasons, primarily for Civil War leadership and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Sadly, today, both Washington and Lincoln are now under fire by many woke liberals because these two were not perfect, despite their great national contributions. Current PC madness digs up dirt on anyone, these two heroes fair game also. The city of San Francisco (no surprise here) is spending one million dollars to rename their 33 elementary schools. Jefferson, Lincoln, etc. ‘have to go“–too controversial. Maybe kids there would prefer to attend Castro, AOC and Malcolm X elementary. Similarly, Chicago is determining what to do with their 500 statues and monuments. Move over Grant and Lincoln—this rebuff in the “Land of Lincoln”. Let’s get Lincoln off the penny now.

Vernon Baker: A WWII hero bar none. He was one of 7 black Americans highly decorated for heroic service. Sadly, due to his race, he was not awarded America’s highest “Medal of Honor”. 50 years later in 1997, President Clinton bestowed that high honor while he was still alive.

Louis Zamperini: An Olympian who competed in the Berlin 1936 Olympics became a hero in WWII also. His boat was sunk and he lasted 47 days afloat in the Pacific. He survived and became a legendary officer. A movie was recently released of his exploits. Zamperini came home, became a Christian and a well-known philanthropist.

Desmond Doss: He was a WWII hero, a 7th Day Adventist pacifist who would not carry a rifle, but became a medic. He was hassled and belittled for his stance until he saved over 40 men at the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge while putting his life in serious danger. His life was also honored recently with a movie release.

Colonel Van Barfoot, another WWII veteran with many honors became well-known after the war when a few years ago he put up Old Glory in the front yard of his Virginia Home. Well, the Neighborhood Association said “No way”–flagpole too high. Social media got hold of story–and the 95-year old hero won out.

Home of the free because of the brave. 1944: 18-year-olds storm the Normandy Beach with lives at stake. 2021: 18-year-olds need a safe place because words hurt their feelings.

Mike Olson

Escanaba