Veterans Day speaker: We must ‘take care of veterans’

By Jane Smith

meadville tribune

Large American flags waved in the wind along both sides Chestnut Street Sunday as a parade to honor veterans made its way up the street.

Only a handful of people stood on the sidelines to watch the procession of groups of Veterans for Peace and the Women in Black march with three military vehicles from the National Guard and a few other units. Many marchers wore “Veterans for Peace” armbands, jackets or hats. Others carried signs “Support the Troops, End the War.”

As the group marched up the middle of the street, two women, Kathy Swartout, mother of an American soldier serving in Iraq; and her daughter-in-law, Carrie, each carried a sign as well. Kathy’s read “Traitors” and Carrie’s read that the war should be ended by winning the war. At Diamond Park, Carrie held a sign which read “Hutto, Al Qaeda thanks you for your service.” The latter was referring to Jonathan

Hutto, keynote speaker for the service at Diamond Park following the parade.

As one marcher passed by, he thumbed his nose at Kathy.

Organized by Sandy Kelson as a day to “honor veterans,” the event was attended by about 150 to 200 people. He organized the event to observe Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I.

Although he invited veterans groups to participate, many declined because of past incidents involving Kelson, including one last spring at Diamond Park.

Quoting former President Dwight Eisenhower who changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day in 1954, Kelson said the way to honor veterans is to “ensure lasting peace.” He noted if there is no understanding of a lasting peace, the sacrifices of all who have fought would be forgotten to men.

Fred DeWalt, a World War II Navy veteran from Conneaut Lake, introduced Hutto, who is stationed in Norfolk, Va. DeWalt said Hutto’s ability speak out is a “great example of democracy.”

Hutto said although men and women in America may differ in their ideology, philosophy or politically, all are Americans. He said although he took an oath to obey all orders, he said it doesn’t mean he can’t speak out.

Hutto said four years ago the president went to war to “liberate Iraq,” noting it was to get rid of Saddam Hussein. Four years later, Hutto said, there still is terrorism.

In addition, he said it is a “disgrace to have veterans suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome,” adding it is a disgrace that the suicide rate for veterans is the highest it has been in 23 years. Furthermore, he said it is a “moral disgrace” that the country can spend billions for the war in Iraq but “can’t find $35 million for children’s health care,” referring to recent defeat of a bill to provide health care for children.

Hutto expanded about the need for people to speak out in support of a bill to help veterans. “Veterans deserve better; veterans deserve more when they come back to our country.”

It is not unpatriotic to question the country’s leaders, said Hutto. “It is our love of country for us to ask these questions. If you are patriotic, you have to question,” he urged.

Expanding on the political philosophies, Hutto said, “If we can build schools in Iraq, we can build schools in America,” calling for a change in the government.

He concluded by calling for all people to fight for veterans and to “take care of them.”

Other speakers included Jacquelyn Shannon, president of Allegheny College Peace and Justice Coalition, said the coalition works to resolve conflicts. “Wisdom can’t be taught,” she said, noting that wisdom is the ability to recognize and learn from experiences of those who came before them.

As several speakers spoke, Kathy Swartout slowly made her way from the west side of Diamond Park to mingle in the crowd — holding her “Traitors” sign high so the speakers and others in the crowd could view it.

As she made her way toward the front, she was confronted again and again by an unidentified man with a large plaid blanket wrapped around him. He continually stepped in front of Kathy and attempted to stop her from moving forward. “Keep your hands off me,” she said. Others in the crowd asked him to leave her alone.

Others lamented about her attempt to disrupt the service.

By the end of the 75-minute program, Swartout stood near the front of the gazebo, holding her sign high. Others quickly stood next to her and held their own read and white signs reading “Support the Troops, End the War” high as well. But, there was no further confrontation.

Marcia Metcalfe, one of the Women in Black, said the women had their right to disagree with them and quietly asked others to leave the women alone.

“We need a strong military force, there is no doubt about it,” said Kelson in closing remarks. “But we have been seduced by military force,” adding “force is not going to force Iraqis and Afghanistan into Americans,” noting they have the right to be what they want to be.

Musical presentations were interspersed in the program, including bagpipes and guitarist and vocalists, all singing songs identified with a peace movement.

Kate Walker, minister of Meadville Unitarian Universalist Church, closed with prayer.

“Peace means courage; peace means endurance; peace means strength,” she prayer. Noting that peace talks a constant watch or something will sneak up when we are not looking, she asked, to not “let anger creep into your words” noting people need to listen and look for peace “by what comes out of our mouths.”

When the service was over, those in attendance quickly dispersed and the event ended peacefully.

Jane Smith can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at jsmith@meadvilletribune.com.