Imagine that! Congressman Quitugua’s noble legacy should not have been belittled so callously. The VAR is an active member of the community and should have been accorded the opportunity to voice their concern.
Thanks to the Lord, my son had just returned safely from Iraq. I have numerous family members, relatives and friends who are still in harm’s way. I will continue to pray for their safety as well and hope that upon their return, their sacrifices for our country will have meaning. I am certain that while every veteran and active service member agrees that honoring our fallen comrade for the ultimate sacrifice is the right thing to do; we wonder though, is taking away the Veterans Memorial the only alternative available? Senator Hocog, are we not as deserving as well for our sacrifice? Is it our fault that we survived the battle? God forbid, but whose memorial are you going to rename should fate take another son/daughter from Rota? What is more ironic is that this travesty of justice happened under the watch of the Senate vice president, a veteran and an officer himself. You sir, abandoned your troops, who were instrumental on your election to the senate, and, I’m glad it’s not in battle. Without courtesy to the VAR, the governor signed the bill into law and the deed is done. Such is the power of the pen.
“One of the tests of leadership is to recognize the problem before it becomes an emergency”
We are beyond this point. So, what now, VAR? Have our leaders surrendered? There are over 200 active duty and veterans from Rota by now and the number will continue to rise in view of the dismal overview of the economy and lack of opportunities on Rota. The power of the pen is awesome. Two hundred members and their family translate into a huge number of signatures. If the delegation has no respect for the VAR, let’s use the power of the pen to undo the injustice done to us. Saipan and Tinian veterans take notice of our plight and assure your leaders recognized your sacrifices are not in vain.
VAR officers, “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” This is your moment in the sun. Your action will determine the destiny of our organization. It’s an election year and a good number of our citizens are asking for the privilege to lead us. Let’s see who will champion our cause. Let us be mindful though, and must assure, that we incorporate and recommend a substitute site to complement the legacy of our hero, Joe Jr. in our effort. His memory as a police officer would enliven his life’s journey with the perception of performing his duty as he protects the community while at home as oppose to returning home in a box. It would be more fitting to name the Rota police station “Cpl. Joe Jr. Police Station.”
ANDY M. RAMOS
Vietnam Veteran
