Opinion: Rye Veteran's Day's Unfinished Business

On Veterans’ Day, we remember those who have served our country in the U.S. military. Rye marked the day with a village green ceremony attended by veterans, politicians and citizens.

And while many in Rye remember the recent environmental scandal and municipal cover-up involving WWII veteran Bob Schubert, others in the Rye political class would like it to disappear in the deflection mists of “old news” and “moving forward.” So it was with little surprise that another 2009 city hall insider memo concerning Mr. Schubert addressed to the then city council was emailed to me in time for Veteran’s Day publication here on Rye Patch.

This detailed memo (apparently still impervious to any lawful Freedom of Information Law Request or FOIL) was one I’d not seen and it was directed privately to the then city council.

I initially considered publishing this memo here but out of respect for the new city council, headed up by Joe Sack and his reformer minded colleagues, I thought we owe them the deference to have it first so they might reflect upon it – especially given the environmental process they are engaged in on the proposed new senior center at 150 North Street. Thus I’ve sent it instead to a representative of Rye’s American Legion Post 128 and to Mr. Sack who I believe has shared it with his council colleagues.

So while they consider it, let’s more generally consider:

How do Americans feel about the military and the holiday today that honors their service? Here’s some very recent national polling data.

Thirty-nine percent (39%) consider Veterans’ Day one of the nation’s most important holidays, and 43% plan to do something special to honor it. Although only one-in-five have ever served in the U.S. military themselves, a third of Americans have a close friend or relative who has given their life serving in the military.

Among Americans who have lost a friend or relative in the military, 55% consider Veterans’ Day one of the most important holidays. Sixty-one percent (61%) of veterans agree.

Overall, voters have very positive views about the U.S. military: 72% think the United States has the best military in the world, and 88% rate its performance as good or excellent. These findings have changed little over the years.

But 60% think America’s political leaders are a little too eager to send our military into harm’s way, and 55% believe the U.S. military is overstretched these days.

Thank You Veterans and Thank You and Bless You Bob Schubert.