Veterans deserve more than paid patriotism: #tellusatoday
The Pentagon paid sports franchises more than $9 million over four years, including $6.8 million for “paid patriotism” events, according to a report released last week. Letters to the editor:
As a veteran and the son of a World War II veteran, Walter E. Bill, I was startled to hear the Pentagon paid millions of dollars in taxpayer money to professional sports teams for military tributes. On Veterans Day, I think it’s important to recognize and appreciate everyone who gives back to veterans, as companies such as Home Depot and Lowes do by offering a 10% discount to veterans. Sports teams should be doing more of the same, not charging taxpayers for a tribute like “Salute to Service.” That’s inappropriate patriotism.
Russ W. Bill; Fountain Valley Calif.
War changes men and women in ways that an American who has not served in the military cannot imagine. The suffocating smell of an artillery piece firing, the approaching thunder of air support, the unforgettable horror or a mangled corpse that was a friend — all are indelible experiences.
Perhaps the most mind-altering factor for a soldier is the realization during combat — perhaps more emotional than intellectual — that the world has abandoned him, including his fellow countrymen. Few return from combat seeing the rules of “polite society” as anything but alien.
Patriotism is a short-term coping strategy for these altered souls. The long-term healing solution for the veteran soldier is a society that shares the burden of their lifelong healing with more than slogans.
John Kichi, Vietnam War veteran; Sewickley, Pa.
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Comments from Twitter and Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:
Sports teams should be honored to host the troops at games without being paid.
— @hotmess2success
The money should have gone to veterans’ services. Only by standing by those who have served will more want to serve.
— @Flywoman1950
It’s no different from the Pentagon paying a network to advertise to recruits. It’s advertising dressed up differently and no big deal.
— @brinton_ryan
It’s deceiving and a waste of taxpayer money.
— @LindaLindae9
Advertisers pay for ads, sponsorships and product placement. I’m not sure this is that different.
— @GarrAarghHrumph
Shame on the government wasting that money. Shame on sports teams accepting that money.
— @FrankieCostanza
The athletic industry is greedy.
— @armygreens
The military has recruitment goals to reach, so it has to try something. The teams are in the business of taking revenue opportunities when they appear. There’s nothing so awful about that. My surprise is that both parties thought it should take so much money to hold open a flag and put a guy on the field.
— Alex Breyer
I don’t blame the sports teams. I blame the Pentagon for giving them the money.
— Scott Allen
For more discussions, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday.