Wetterling OpEd: Our Fallen Soldiers Deserve Far Better

02/27/2006

It is almost impossible these days to turn on your radio or television, or to pick up a newspaper without seeing some politician declare, “I support our troops.” Every other car on the road dons a sticker stating to “support our troops”. These are noble sentiments that I share with every other Minnesotan. But the events of last week, when a small group of protesters from Kansas disrupted the funeral of a fallen American soldier, for no purpose other than to further their own narrow political agenda, reminded me that we must do more as a Nation than declare our sentiments - we must live them.

I join with the thousands of Americans - church groups, veterans’ groups, civil libertarians, and everyday men and women - who have condemned the hate-filled actions we witnessed in Anoka last week. Disturbing the sacred space of loved ones honoring one of our fallen American soldiers is unforgivable. Every American who serves their country is a hero, and they deserve both our gratitude and our respect. The families of those who give their lives in our service are owed a debt that we can never hope to repay.

While I am proud to lend my voice to the chorus of those who are condemning the actions of these protestors, I say again, that it is time that we as a Nation do more than just talk about support for our soldiers and our veterans.

I remember the mistreatment received by some of my friends upon their return from Viet Nam and the harassment they too often endured from those who didn’t recognize the difference between the war and the warriors. I remember the challenges that they faced in rebuilding lives that had been interrupted by their service, as they returned to a Nation that didn’t always seem grateful for their sacrifice. I will not stand by quietly and let this occur again.

We may differ in our views about the war in Iraq, but two facts are indisputable: our soldiers deserve our support and we are creating a new generation of veterans, with a unique set of needs, who will need our help when they get home.

At a minimum, our fallen heroes deserve to be buried with dignity, honor and respect. Wisconsin has already passed an initiative banning protests at funerals and more than a dozen other states, including Minnesota, are considering doing the same. Sadly, we may have to consider a similar federal initiative for military funerals. While we must protect our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, no one should be allowed to exploit the liberties that a soldier has died defending.

Patty Wetterling