Monday, July 24, 2006

 

"duty, honor, country"

DUTY'S CALLING: It's Our Duty to Replace the Word Beauty at the VA's New $4 Million "Landmark Gateway Plaza"

By Robert L. Rosebrock

Since 1898, The United States Military Academy has had the words "Duty, Honor, Country" proudly emblazoned on its coat of arms and boldly engraved on some of its oldest buildings. The motto has become such a distinct code for military leadership and loyalty to our country that these time-honored ideals have become firmly embedded into the minds and hearts of all who actively serve in our Armed Forces, regardless of his or her respective branch of service

In his famous "Duty,ÿHonor, Country" speech given to the West Point Cadets in 1962, General Douglas MacArthur resolutely declared: "Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn."

This exemplary oration by the General is considered to be among the greatest speeches in American history. It was not only eloquently delivered but his tribute was so singular in purpose that even a small child could understand the overwhelming importance of this sacred motto.

The General's inspirational message notwithstanding, he further forewarned: "The unbelievers will say they are but words, but a slogan, but a flamboyant phrase. Every pedant, every demagogue, every cynic, every hypocrite, every troublemaker, and I am sorry to say, some others of an entirely different character, will try to downgrade them even to the extent of mockery and ridicule."

Well, the General's feared prophecy has now come true and it's been validated at the newly erected $4 million "Landmark Gateway Plaza" and perimeter fence at the local Veterans Administration grounds in Brentwood.

There, at the corner of Wilshire and San Vicente Boulevards, and in bold, bronzed letters are the words "Beauty, Honor, Country." This fallacious effort to belittle the rigors of military duty and pass it off as quaint beauty is either a foolish blunder or outright blasphemy against the code entrusted to the highest calling of public service, our Armed Forces, and the timeless tradition of "Duty, Honor, Country."

Just because someone thought it was clever that beauty rhymes with duty certainly doesn't justify making such a contemptuous change to the legacy of this heralded motto. In fact, there is no rhyme or reason for taking this distinct and hallowed word and replacing it with a nebulous and shallow word.

While a small child could easily understand the reverent tribute to the motto in the General's patriotic speech, he or she would not be able to understand the mockery of it at the Veteran's sacred property.


Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

Duty with Honor is such a paramount responsibility in protecting our Country that the Medal of Honor is awarded to the heroic few, who at the risk of their own life, go above and beyond the call of duty. Unfortunately, there are those who are charged with dereliction to duty and they are consequently dishonorably discharged from the military.

General George Patton, Jr., another legendary World War II hero truly understood the significance of duty to our country and summed it up this way: "Duty is but discipline carried to its highest degree."

In a proud tribute to our military men and women on Armed Forces Day in 1985, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed: "This is a day we set aside to remember and thank those Americans who wear our country's uniform and who serve our nation in so many places around the globe. Many are far from home, and things you and I take for granted -- family, friends, all the good things that go with life in our hometowns -- they've given all these things up for the sake of a challenge and to answer a call. The challenge is the task of defending freedom, and the call they've answered is summarized in three words: `Duty, Honor, Country.'"

George Putnam, the 91-year legendary radio talk show host, decorated World War II Marine, and a true American patriot has always ended his popular "Talk Back" program with "Duty, Honor, Country."


Who's Behind `Beauty Gate'?

The magnitude and importance of Duty is so significant in this patriotic creed that it is the first word declared. So, just how did changing it to beauty actually come about, why, and by whom?

The Veterans Park Conservancy, a non-profit community organization in cooperation with the local Veterans Administration, designed, approved and built the new Gateway Plaza and perimeter fence and then dedicated the project on March 28, 2006. For nearly a year prior, the construction was shielded from public view with a temporary canvass-covered chain link fence, which was kept up for a short period of time after the dedication.

Over Memorial Day weekend, I happened to see Mr. Chuck Dorman, Chief Administrator of the Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and he asked what I thought about the new fence. I congratulated him and said that it helps to distinguish the Veterans' rightful property.

Later, I stopped to take a closer look at the new Gateway Plaza entry and saw the words "Beauty, Honor, Country." I was dumbfounded, because I've never seen this phrase attributed to the Veterans or the Military.

Consequently, I sent a follow-up e-mail to Mr. Dorman stating that the change of words must be a mistake and "Using the word `beauty' in place of `Duty' makes no sense and certainly lessens the significance of the original military motto. If beauty is actually the chosen word, I'd like to know who determined it and why. If it is a mistake, the word beauty should be removed immediately until the word Duty can officially replace it."

Many Veterans and non-Veterans are now asking was it an innocent mistake or an intentional plan. No explanation has been made and prior to this article going to print, Mr. Dorman had not responded to my e-mail inquiry.


A Public Park or the Veterans Home?

In addition to the beauty debacle at the Plaza, on the opposite side of the entry gate are also bronzed letters that boldly declare this to be the "Los Angeles National Veterans Park." Let there be no misunderstanding; the Veterans property is not a public national park! To the contrary, these sacred grounds were permanently deeded for the essential use as a Veterans Home and Healthcare Center.

Nearly 120 years ago, Arcadia Bandini Stearns de Baker and Senator Percival Jones donated more than 500 acres to the federal government for the specific use and benefit of soldiers and sailors. Accordingly, de Baker's great-great nephew, Ricardo Bandini Johnson, recently declared: "It states six times in the deed that it be permanently maintained as a branch of a home for sailors and soldiers."

Carolina Barrie, also a descendant of the de Baker family has conveyed stories about how ex-soldiers and sailors walked hundreds of miles when it first opened, further noting that at one time, "it housed 45,000 ex-soldiers."

Ms. Barrie has also spoken out against any proposed commercial development of the Veterans property, stating that "If they start with 10 acres, there will be another 20 acres." She's absolutely right, and the same argument can be made about a public national park.

So instead of making a public park on the 16 acres that are now in question, what really needs to be considered is a "Veterans Arboretum and Conservatory" with specialty botanical gardens to provide natural therapy and rehabilitation for patients.


By Invitation Only

The above notwithstanding, the question still remains as to who approved all these unthinkable word and name changes, and why? Not only were these revisions made unilaterally, but Veterans as a whole were not even invited to the dedication ceremony. In fact, the press release to the media declared: "Note to editors: Because of security considerations, this is an invitation-only event. Press I.D. is required. "

What `security considerations' could possibly be involved when it comes to Veterans being invited to their own property? After all, it's the Veterans who have continuously secured the safety of our nation so why are they now considered a threat to the security of their very own property? And who anointed the `press' to be held in higher regard than our Veterans? Have they somehow forgotten that if it weren't for our Veterans, there wouldn't even be a "Freedom of the Press," or any of our other treasured freedoms?


Different Times -- Same Treatment

It's simply inconceivable that there was an `invitation only' dedication for a new project supposedly in honor of our Veterans on their own exclusive property, and then they weren't even invited. It makes you wonder what was so secretive about this dedication and why.

Nevertheless, as more and more Veterans are learning of this unforgivable slap in the face by the Conservancy and the local VA, this kind of disrespect and ingratitude toward Veterans is nothing new.

Contrary to a misconstrued public opinion, our Vietnam War Veterans did not return "all messed up" from infantry combat. Instead, these young soldiers served our country with courage and honor while fighting the enemy abroad, only to return home to a new enemy, an ungrateful society that spat upon them and called them vile names and ostracized them from being welcomed citizens in their own communities.

It's become apparent that time has not healed the societal wounds inflicted upon Vietnam War Veterans, nor has society's disrespect and disdain been lessened. In fact, the more time passes the more it stands still and the deeper the wounds get. Will this tormenting pain of ingratitude ever go away, or will it only get more infectious?


No Friends and No Home

In spite of their honorable duty to our country, society's scornful contempt and disrespect toward Vietnam War Veterans caused major psychological disorders for many. As a result, they tragically resorted to the only `friend' they had left and that was alcohol or drugs, and over the years, many ended up homeless. Today, the local VA is the only possible hope they have left and they deserve to be at this century-old establishment that is rightfully theirs -- lock, land and fellowship.

So, in truth, these Veterans really are not homeless because this property is their legitimate home, just as it has been for all Veterans since 1888. Consequently, the comfort of a warm bed, three square meals, a hot shower, clean clothes and sincere encouragement may be the only incentive they need to realize that there is new hope and a much better way to live.


A New Direction

We can be grateful that there is a positive and constructive future for homeless Veterans and it can be found at New Directions, Inc., headquartered on the local VA property. This non-profit organization offers a long-term drug and alcohol treatment program while providing food, shelter and rehabilitation to Veterans that were previously without a home.

New Directions was co-founded by John Keaveney, a Vietnam War Veteran and the organization's Chief Operating Officer, and Toni Reinis, the Executive Director. Together with their dedicated staff, they run the most successful recovery establishment for Veterans in the United States. All community members should support this remarkable organization by volunteering their time and/or through financial donations.


A Sobering Reality

One thing that history has taught over the years is that alcoholism is not a disgrace, but failure to get proper treatment for it is. Moreover, alcoholism or drug abuse is not confined to homeless Veterans.

Lest we've forgotten, the University Synagogue in Brentwood holds weekly Alcohol Anonymous meetings and has the largest number of attendees west of the Mississippi River. Many of those who regularly attend these meetings to straighten out their lives are doctors, dentists, attorneys, bankers, movie producers, actors, athletes and other professional and established members from surrounding communities. Consequently, the self-righteous need to stop rebuking the homeless Veterans and realize that alcoholism and drug abuse is a disease that takes an even toll on all members of a society.


Welcome Home Veterans

Jay Handal, president of the Greater West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce has relentlessly and dutifully called for government funding to provide safe housing and proper healthcare for the estimated 27,000 homeless Veterans in Los Angeles. Jay has also challenged WLA Chamber members and the surrounding communities with this responsible proposition: "Let's begin to fix the problem with real solutions. While we build a $4 million fence around the veterans park preserve area, how about investing in those lives who invested in ours?" How could anyone possibly disagree with or deny Jay's patriotic and purposeful plea for help?

Likewise, Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, a Vietnam-era Veteran who has been a major supporter for helping the homeless Veterans, recently declared: "They are the walking wounded and it is our sacred obligation to help them."

Because of the painful memory scars that have cut deep into their hearts and mind, these Veterans deserve the very best treatment we can provide. Think about it; how many homeless Veterans could get a whole new start in life if we spent $4 million providing them with the proper healthcare services and guidance they deserve?


No Veteran Left Behind

The deed to the Veterans property is as sacred as the United States Constitution they pledged to protect and defend when they raised their right hand and solemnly swore: "I am prepared to give my life for my country."

Like all those who serve in the military, they pledged to make the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of their fellow citizens. So, instead of building a public park that mainly benefits neighboring homeowners and their families while homeless Veterans are left behind on the streets, let's open the doors to their rightful home and give them a chance at starting anew. That's certainly a very small sacrifice to make for the very big debt that is owed for our freedom and independence.

General Omar Bradley, also a World War II hero, reminded all Americans that "Sacrifice, not selfishness, must be the eternal price of liberty."


Land Swap vs. Word Swap

As was covered in the June issue of the "West Los Angeles Business Monthly," local politicians and community members have been expressing outrage over the proposed `land swap' between developers and the 10-acre U.S. Army Reserve Center at Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue.

Asserting that he was speaking on behalf of the Veterans, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky declared: "This is hallowed ground!" And indeed it is, just as "Duty, Honor, Country" are hallowed words.

If local politicians and residents are really sincere about their claim of fighting for the best interest of our Veterans and this proposed `land swap,' then they should be even more outraged and supportive over the actual `word swap' at the Gateway Plaza across the street.

Correspondingly, it's their duty to demand the replacement of the word beauty and it's also their duty and responsibility to insure that the Veterans property will always be used as it was originally intended: "To be permanently maintained as a branch of a home for sailors and soldiers."


Wide Open Spaces

There's a cast of neighboring residents who have become veterans at trying to annex the Veterans property for whatever cause they unilaterally deem is for the "good of all." Accordingly, they operate on the premise that what belongs to them is theirs but what belongs to the Veterans is negotiable, and this false sense of entitlement must stop.

We keep hearing that the Veterans property is the last open space on LA's affluent Westside. This is simply not true. If residents of the surrounding communities feel there's a necessity for a public park or whatever serves their interest, then they need to start going to the Brentwood and Los Angeles Country Clubs where there's plenty of open space and ask them to part with some of their cherished land. And if they don't comply with your demands, then use eminent domain if your cause is so just and truly for the best interests of everyone.

Make no mistake; these two neighboring Country Clubs have far more acreage than do the Veterans. Consequently, residents, special interest groups and developers need to stop infringing upon the Veterans property and start negotiating with these two Clubs for new land resources.

Moreover, instead of the misguided efforts to convert the staid Veterans property into a national park that will become overrun with campers, RV's, tour buses and whatnot, there needs to be a genuine focus on the long-term purpose of the VA, and that is to provide a safe haven and optimum healthcare services for our Veterans now, and the future. Anything else directly violates the terms of their deeded property.


Duty's Calling

In observation of all the usurpation and transformation taking place that are contradictory to the true legacy of the Veterans property and military tradition, the time has come for Veterans to collectively unite and rigorously safeguard their `family estate' from outside forces. Consequently, Veterans need to be as passionate about protecting the deed to their property as they were at protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States.

If it requires the continuous rattling the terms of their deed that this property must be "permanently maintained as a branch of a home for sailors and soldiers," then the Veterans need to keep rattling until their message is heard loud and clear.

Duty is calling to protect and preserve this sacred home within our sacred homeland. Never forget, and never let future generations of Veterans forget, that the only purpose of this property is to care for the health and well being of fellow Veterans.


"Duty, Honor, Country"

This time-honored creed encapsulates the most basic obligation for the perpetual guardianship of our great nation. Consequently, the words should not just be engraved on historic buildings at the West Point Military Academy or emblazoned on its coat of arms.

Nor should they be the rallying code for only those who actively serve in our Armed Forces. And most certainly, they should never be unilaterally changed by an unsanctioned campaign that translates their bold and true purpose into a feeble and contradictory notion.

Instead, "Duty, Honor, Country" means exactly what it says and should be proudly displayed everywhere, all the time, because it's the duty of each and every American to honorably preserve and protect our great country.


"I slept and dreamed that life was Beauty;

I woke, and found that life was Duty."

Ellen Sturgis Hooper, American Poet (1816-1841)


To read or listen to General MacArthur's speech, "Duty, Honor, Country," go to:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/douglasmacarthurthayeraward.html


Article by Robert L. Rosebrock: President of Healthy Hour Enterprises, U.S. Army Veteran, Vietnam-era. You can write him at DutysCalling@aol.com. Reproduced here by permision of the author. The author adds:

"Could you please make a note that this article appears in the "Greater West Los Angeles Business Monthly," the newspaper for the Greater West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. I'd also like it known that I am not responding to the original blog spot submitted by Jeffers Dodge. I sent Mr. Dodge a copy of the article in late June, as I sent to many people, asking if he could forward the article on to like-minded individuals. Unfortunately, he has passed this information off as his story own story without ever acknowledging me. Politics as usual. Accordingly, we're trying to keep this from any political campaign grandstanding, but mistakes do happen."

posted by JR 12:43 PM