THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 26, 1995 TAG: 9511230015
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
``Flap over flag leads to boycott of march'' (news, Nov. 11) begs comment.
Speaking as a POW captured at Corregidor, held first in Luzon and later in Japan, I take umbrage with the denigration of the role of the Filipino in that conflict by some veterans.
I witnessed instances whereby Filipinos were brutally, and sometimes fatally, beaten when observed by the Japanese when they were trying to aid dying and wounded American POWs.
As for carrying foreign flags in our Veterans Day parades, there is precedent. Last year the French Foreign Legion carried the tricolor in the D-Day anniversary parade; and, I might add, it was one of the most impressive units performing. Its presence was accepted as it was offered - in honor of U.S. veterans (as are World War II Filipino veterans). There have also been other instances.
I believe The Virginian-Pilot imparted much more importance to this issue than it deserved. As for me, I would not be alive today if it had not been for the assistance of some very brave Filipinos.
WILLIAM JEFFRIES
Virginia Beach, Nov. 13, 1995
I am not a member of the Filipino-American veterans organization, but I am a Vietnam-era veteran of Filipino origin. I find it downright insulting to have Mr. Pearsall, Mr. Erickson and the groups they represent boycott the Veterans Day Parade just because the Philippine flag would be flying.
Veterans Day was proclaimed to honor all those who have served in the U.S. military and to serve as a reminder of the tragedies of war. In most of the wars waged by the United States, even the Civil War, Filipinos have fought and died with their American brethren. We have been loyal allies willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice for the flag of the United States. That does not mean, however, that we honor our heritage any less. When we fly the Philippine flag, especially during the Veterans Day Parade, it is not meant to diminish the respect for the American flag. Rather, it is to show our American brethren that we are veterans of Filipino extraction and that we have fought and died fighting your war - our war. Certainly we did not expect a rebuff, especially from another veteran.
MATT R. JARDINIANO
Virginia Beach, Nov. 11, 1995
The Filipino community has a lot of nerve to suggest honoring the Filipino flag in an American Veterans Day parade. If they served in the American military, then they should be considered American veterans.
If they want so much to honor their native land, they should have joined the military services of the Philippines. The fact that they didn't means that they turned their backs on their own country and its flag, and took refuge in the United States.
After they have taken advantage of all that being American means, they expect to again embrace their native heritage and want the American people to swallow it. I, for one, will not.
R. E. O'BRIEN
U.S. Army veteran
Virginia Beach, Nov. 12, 1995
I am in sympathy with the veterans groups that refused to march in the Veterans Day Parade honoring American veterans. Anyone who is serving, or has served, in the American military is an American veteran regardless of nationality. Those who agreed that the Filipino flag could be displayed in the parade should re-evaluate their thinking.
It's time the American people realize that we cannot be all things to all people. In our zeal to be just, fair, compassionate and caring, we are giving away our country.
Our veterans did not serve, fight and die for this country only to lose it by giving way to anyone who demands a piece of us.
K. M. ETHRIDGE
Virginia Beach, Nov. 12, 1995 by CNB