On July Fourth, I had the pleasure of listening to the Portland Symphony Orchestra perform at Portland’s fireworks display.
When the orchestra played the military anthems, I saw different men who had served in the Vietnam War stand and wave the flag for their branch of service.
People applauded. I did, too. Robert Moody, the conductor, thanked them for their service.
Yet I felt somehow that our tradition of honoring the men who served fails to acknowledge those of us who fought against the wars, and, even now, as former soldiers, fight for peace.
Somehow, as Americans, we fail to play our anti-war anthems for those of us who opposed war. We fail to honor those who stood up against wars that at the time, and even now, are recognized as unjust wars.
This is not to dishonor the soldiers who did serve, but more so to honor an equally important American tradition: speaking up for peace. Next year, I’d love Mr. Moody to play an anti-war anthem so all us who have served our country are honored.
Bruce Spang
Falmouth
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