In 1960 I received a letter of greetings from the POTUS informing me that my friends and neighbors had selected me to be a member of the armed forces of this great country.
I answered the call and served 39 months of active duty (overseas) and another 33 months in the reserves. I served under three presidents.
When we arrived in Fort Benning Ga., we were met by a bunch of mostly southern state military instructors who told us in no uncertain terms that no matter where we came from or no matter the color of our skin we were all the same.
We were told that the guy in the foxhole with you or the guy standing guard while we slept was our best friend and we took it to heart. I met some really fine men of all colors in the service and thank God for the experience.
Yes we all got hungry, we all got cold we all got lonely and tired but we learned to respect and rely on one another. We found out that we had a lot in common and learned to live and work together.
I am absolutely outraged when I hear politicians, supposedly holy men, some members of the media and even a former president stirring up inter-racial bigotry and feel sad that this is allowed to happen in 2020.
Sixty years ago it would not have been tolerated in the military even though it was still happening in some civilian areas. Why is all this being stirred up now? To divide us, do not let it happen!
We are all Americans, we have to rely and depend on each other, forget about all the poisonous stuff being spouted by these bigots who call themselves political or religious leaders, ask a veteran how it was in the military and how we all got along for the betterment of our country.
God bless America. I support law and order and thank veterans for their part in keeping our republic free.
Peter Burnside
Mineola
