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No More Band of Brothers B.S.

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION

By Marjorie L. Swanson

It was surprising during the Swiftboating of John Kerry that so few military people stepped forward in his defense. John Kerry served his country and for that he deserved respect and admiration. You didn’t need to agree with him, you didn’t need to vote for him, but as another member of the military you certainly should have respected his service.

Instead, a shameful campaign was launched to denigrate this man’s service and the medals that he received for that service. Any vet who voted for Bush after those shameful actions needs to never open his mouth again about any of this “Band of Brothers” B.S. Band of Brothers only if they agree with you? You find more loyalty in a rock band. Some brothers. Must come from a dysfunctional family.

Now another veteran has stepped forward and spoke his piece. Congressman John Murtha of Pennsylvania served his country all his life. Below is part of his personal biography.

U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha has dedicated his life to serving his country both in the military and in the halls of Congress. He had a distinguished 37-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring from the Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 1990; and he has been serving the people of the 12th Congressional District in Pennsylvania since 1974.

He learned about military service from the bottom up, beginning as a raw recruit during the Korean War. There he earned the American Spirit Honor Medal, awarded to fewer than one in 10,000 recruits. He rose through the ranks and was selected for Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. In 1959, Captain Murtha took command of the 34th Special Infantry Company, Marine Corps Reserves, in Johnstown. He remained in the Reserves after his discharge from active duty until he volunteered for Vietnam in 1966-67, receiving the Bronze Star with Combat "V", two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He remained in the Reserves until his retirement. He was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal by the Marine Corps Commandant when he retired from the Marines.

This tough old marine is now under attack by a bunch of people who never bothered to serve in the military of their country but are all too willing to let others fight and die.

If the people in this country who have served, as Congressman Murtha served, allow another veteran to be smeared by the lies and innuendo of a bunch of loud-mouthed cowards who never bothered to serve themselves, then the term "Band of Brothers" needs to be eradicated from the English language. If you do not stand up for your own, what possible unity do you represent?

Marjorie L. Swanson
Proud Daughter of One Who Served
Kenosha, WI

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