Writer 'fed the wrong information'; wall's display was respectful
Editor:
Re Edwin Knights Nov. 24 letter, Walls display at barbecue was disrespectful:
It is obvious that Knight, of Aiken, S.C., was fed the wrong information about the Traveling Tribute Wall that was recently in Columbia County.
The Columbia County Commission and Recreation Advisory Board requested this tour more than two years ago. The County Commission and volunteers, many of whom are veterans, are the sole group responsible for the event. An attempt to lay responsibility on the shoulders of caring volunteers who, like so many veterans, dedicated their time and energy to do the best is a cheap shot indicative of individuals engaged in a self-serving campaign of character assassination.
To cite one individual by name clearly indicates that poor Mr. Knight has become the unwitting tool of the three or four people conducting personal vendettas against Barbara Daniel and others who devoted countless hours and energy to ensure a successful event.
I observed the opening ceremony as well as many other programs to honor Vietnam veterans, and viewed the tribute with great admiration and respect for the names on the wall and the sacrifice those names represent. I am a World War II veteran and was not offended in any way by the honor and respect that was paid by all who visited the wall.
I would like to know at what time and on what day Knight visited the wall. I am sure many of those local veterans who know him would have recognized him, as some of his past activities with the Vietnam veterans are well known. It seems strange that no one recalls seeing him there.
It was a privilege and honor to have this Traveling Tribute visit Columbia County. It gave everyone locally a chance to come out and pay respect to the names on the wall, and not to recognize two or three individuals who may have craved attention.
My closing advice to Mr. Knight is that perhaps he needs to consult with his three advisors on this issue to review his facts. One fact is that his letter is his opinion and not the opinion of every veteran who attended, or of the Vietnam Veterans of America as a group.
Harold Mays
Evans