Fellow Americans and Friends of Veterans,
On Sunday, Dave Culmer — “Mr. Veteran” — 84-year old Korean / Vietnam War Marine combat Veteran and 70 percent disabled, proudly displayed a large American flag on the front fence of the National Veterans Park outside the Los Angeles VA.
Dave is a 35-year member of the American Legion, a longtime American Legion service officer for the County.
After Dave proudly hung the American flag on the park fence, he was immediately issued a falsified criminal arrest citation by two armed VA police officers for “posting materials such as “pamphlets brochures, flyers, placard, etc.” Yes, you read this right. Dave was falsely cited.
Where is the flag-waving American Legion as the VA police have issued 14 “criminal arrest citations” to Veterans and citizen soldiers for displaying the American flag on the front fence of the National Veterans Park?
Where’s Lawrence Van Kuran, the state commander of the American Legion? He lives nearby, in the San Fernando Valley. Why isn’t he speaking up? Or does he believe the American flag is a placard or brochure?
Where’s Dale Barnett, the national commander of the American Legion. His headquarters are in Indianapolis. Comdr. Barnett was raised in Whiteland, 15 miles from where I grew up on a family farm in central Indiana.
As a lad, I respectfully remember the American Legion being the pillar of our society.
Cmdr. Barnett, a graduate of West Point, is a staunch disciple of “Duty, Honor, Country.”
How can he allow the American flag to be called a “placard, pamphlet, brochure, flyer” and further allow a 35-year member of the American Legion be issued a falsified criminal citation?
Time for all modern-day Legionnaires to speak out in defense of the American flag. They should demand that VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald, a West Point graduate, cease and desist from his department’s disgraceful anti-American activity.
Otherwise, the Legion should consider removing the word “American” from their organization’s name.
“To remain silent when they should protest makes cowards of men.” – Thomas Jefferson
Mr. Rosebrock, Director of the Old Veterans Guard, may be contacted at rrosebrock1@aol.com