THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 18, 1995 TAG: 9511170002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
Regarding ``Flap over flag leads to boycott of march'' (news, Nov. 11): As an American veteran, I am embarrased by the inappropriate actions and remarks made by Arthur Pearsall of the American Veterans. As a Filipino-American, I am hurt by the insensitivity shown by him and the group he represents.
Filipinos have made extraordinary sacrifices alongside Americans during and since World War II. Many fought as U.S. soldiers and sailors but were not American citizens. The Filipino-American Veterans of Hampton Roads said they simply wish to acknowledge their sacrifices on Veterans Day. Mr. Erickson of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association stated that his group was also boycotting because, ``This parade is for American veterans.'' Does this not include Filipino citizens who served in the U.S. military? Or does being an American veteran require citizenship as well?
I question Mr. Pearsall's remark about the Filipino community: ``I am tired of them pushing and taking over and taking more and more of our American heritage and putting it to their own use.'' Taking over what? The parade? The community? And just what is ``our American heritage?'' Is it only that of the white Anglo-Saxon?
America's heritage was created by many different cultures, and I don't think any of them are negatively ``putting it to their own use.'' What harm does it do to display another nation's flag in our parade when it earns its place and properly respects the American flag? What message are we sending to our children about cooperation and tolerance when we cannot respect one another and our differences?
Mr. Pearsall needs to understand that displaying the Filipino flag alongside the American flag by a Filipino-American Veterans Association is absolutely appropriate - it shows unity and respect.
It is sad and unfortunate that Mr. Pearsall should choose Veterans Day 1995 to air petty grievances.
JENNIFER BUENVIAJE WEGGEN
Virginia Beach, Nov. 11, 1995 by CNB