RC CitizenView

Rancho has a chance to show how much it appreciates members of our community serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Honoring Service Men and Woman by placing banners in prominent places in our city should be funded by the community. If we really appreciate their service, we would endeavor to honor every one of them with a program funded by the service clubs of the city. No family members should be asked to foot the bill for our demonstration of appreciation for their service.

Serving members are not inclined to claim their place of honor, but will be thankful it was given. The fact that we don’t know the name of all those serving illustrates this fact.

The program can be a real tribute to all who serve by having the candidates nominated by their neighbors for a banner. The family members can then approve of the honor for their service member, but should never be asked to pay for the honor.

Don’t make this program any different from the other honors given by the city to its citizens. These proclamations of appreciation for service to are community result from nominations by others, and not sold to the recipients.

Many families have paid to have their service member recognized for their service, many will not. When your community recognized your service with some token, like these banners, you are honored. When you’re allowed to purchase the token it diminishes the honor.

How many names on the Vietnam memorial were paid inclusions? If we are honoring these men and woman then let us bestow the honor, not just provide the poles.

Let’s get it right this time.