The letter from Robert Greene, which ran in the June 3 paper, expresses very well the sentiment held by many in the armed forces, past and present. (“Whidbey 24, veterans know medals significance”). Creating artificial heroes of the Whidbey 24 from the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station for an assignment less than well done demeans the accomplishments of the many real heroes that have served this country.
Surviving a dangerous operation is always noteworthy and worthy of recognition and medals. Surviving a botched mission is not. I wonder how armed forces personnel on other more successful and noteworthy missions feel watching their “armed forces leaders” and other government officials create this illusion.
One can only wonder and hope that time will put this in perspective alongside other more significant and heroic acts. Maybe now that the crew has made an appearance at a Mariners baseball game, we have seen the last recognition pitch.
Edmonds
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