Veterans pushed aside for VIP
Recently, a group of heroes visited our beautiful city of Charleston. The 75th Air Depot Wing held its 56th reunion in Charleston. This group of Korean War veterans arrived in Charleston on Sept. 26 to renew friendships, re-tell old war stories, enjoy our city, and remember and honor those who are no longer with them.
Among the recently deceased was John Buck from Charleston who was the planner of this reunion. A special tribute goes to John's widow, Joyce Buck, and her family who stepped up and hosted the reunion in a grand manner.
While here, the group members and their spouses visited many of the sights of our city, including the aircraft carrier Yorktown. While touring the Medal of Honor Museum, they were asked to leave in deference to a visiting VIP.
Like good military men, they followed orders. Later in the day, they were to visit The Citadel and watch the Friday afternoon parade, which ironically was in honor of Military Appreciation Week.
Bleachers were reserved for the 75th Air Depot Wing. As I waited for my friends to arrive, I began to be concerned when the band and the corps marched onto the field, and the vets had not arrived. The guest of honor for the parade was introduced. As I recall, the visiting dignitary (VIP) was the acting assistant for the under secretary of finance for the secretary of the Army.
The members of the 75th were not allowed entrance to The Citadel grounds for the parade. The reason given was that a VIP was present and for security reasons, tour groups were not allowed on campus.
Frankly, I do not know that any of these veterans were truly heroes as we define hero. However, in my book, those who serve their country honorably, as did these veterans, are heroes.
The parade was officially cleared for our veterans' visit, as confirmed by the reserved bleacher seating. I honestly think that it was the old military scenario of someone not getting the word. In this case, perhaps, it was campus security.
I would like to believe that had the visiting dignitary known that these veterans were on the Yorktown and looking forward to The Citadel parade he would have personally welcomed them and thanked them for their service to our country.
The purpose of this letter is not to criticize either the Yorktown or The Citadel, but to bring to light what appears to be the slight of a group of American veterans so that steps may be taken to prevent a recurrence in the future.
Larry C. Davis
Dorchester Road
North Charleston
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