OPINION:
It’s a tragic time for Bedford, Va., which now is known as the town that loves Stalin more than it loves its own veterans (“Stalin bust has Virginia town red-faced,” Nation, Tuesday).
As an American and as a veteran of the Cold War, Vietnam, Grenada and Panama, I find it incomprehensible that anyone could convince himself that a bust of our enemy and one of the worst dictators in history should be given a place of honor - and in a D-Day memorial.
It’s not something that “leads to thoughtful reflection and provokes discussion,” as one of the individuals interviewed says it might. Rather, it’s a slap in the face to all veterans and is deeply offensive to the memory and legacy of not only the 21 Bedford veterans who died on D-Day, but also the millions of Americans who put their lives on the line to defend America and the world from the ravages of a murderous dictator like Stalin.
Bedford should be ashamed.
LT. CMDR. R. STEPHEN BLOCH
U.S. Navy (retired)
Carmel Valley, Ca.
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