Paying Our Respects

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to Paul Morgado’s letter in the September 11 edition of The Newtown Bee titled “An Absolute Disgrace.” I am appalled that an individual would have the audacity to write to our town paper about what a disgrace our town parade was this year when he doesn’t even belong to our community. In the letter, Mr Morgado writes, “I am appalled at your lack of respect and honor especially when the veteran group went by. A disgrace!”

I have been a resident of Newtown my whole life and I have gone to the parade every single year, and I am proud of the way our community honors our veterans. As you were sitting at the parade, did you not notice all of the flags that had been placed up and down Main Street by the Lion’s Club paying respect to our country, servicemen, and veterans? I don’t know where you were sitting Mr Morgado, but where I was sitting I heard a great deal of applause and shouts of respect to our fellow veterans as they marched in the parade. I would like to know why you believe your opinion of how respect should be displayed should set the standards of how all of us should show respect.

I believe everyone shows their respect in their own way and it is not your place to judge. Judgment creates controversy does it not? I think it is a disgrace that you forfeit your manners instead of writing a motivational letter supporting our veterans since you think our community lacks in that aspect. I would like to end my letter on a good note, by personally thanking all veterans such as yourself Mr Morgado, and all of the current active servicemen/women for supporting our nation and our people. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them” —JFK.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mindy Kovack

6 Appleblossom Lane, Newtown                                                                     September 11, 2009