Navy Nuclearweaponsman: Happy Thanksgiving, Newspaper article

Navy Nuclearweaponsman: Happy Thanksgiving, Newspaper article

Happy Thanksgiving, Newspaper article

Happy Thanksgiving to all. We have much to be thankful for, especially those brave folks that are defending us and our families, our way of life, and our nation. They work for us 24/7 without holidays! Here's a letter I wrote that was published today in my local paper, the Roseburg, Oregon News-Review, Public Forum section:

I am a retired U.S. Navy sailor with 30 years active duty. In my hand I hold a certificate I recently received that is one of my most cherished awards or acknowledgements and will soon hold a place of honor on my wall along with my other award certificates. The certificate is one of appreciation to Vietnam Veterans that was handed to me during the recent Roseburg Veteran’s Day parade. Veteran’s Service Officer Mary Newman, and Commissioner Marilyn Kittelman signed the certificate.
As a Vietnam Veteran, it was very gratifying and deeply appreciated to have experienced the warm applause, and the many “thank you” shouts that greeted we veterans as I rode through the streets of Roseburg. We were honored as this years Grand Marshals of the parade. I rode with veterans of another era, with the Southern Oregon Warbirds. Roseburg truly is a patriotic, and veteran supportive community.

There was only one situation I learned of that marred my feelings of celebration. I was told by an organizer of the parade that “The Women in Black” had applied to participate in the parade, but they were rightly told that the parade was not a platform for political statements, but an occasion for honoring veterans. I applaud this decision, and I feel it points out a lack of understanding of those misguided persons that dissent against the war against terrorism, and our leaders, and still try to say “we support the troops.” I did not feel supported by demonstrators, and dissidents during the Vietnam War, but to the contrary was demoralized and discouraged by their vocal criticism against the war and my commander and chief.

Thank you Roseburg for truly honoring, and supporting the troops with a wonderful day of honor and celebration.



CWO4 James S. Little, U.S. Navy-Retired