Iraq war memorial sets tempers ablaze

[Kadie]

Iraq war memorial sets tempers ablaze
Creators say display is a gesture of respect
Jason B. Johnson, Chronicle Staff Writer

Monday, November 20, 2006

San Francisco and Berkeley voters may oppose the Iraq war, but the oak-studded hillside suburb of Lafayette has taken center stage among Bay Area war protests thanks to an emotional debate over a highly visible memorial to U.S. soldiers killed in the conflict.

snip...
"Some are very strongly opposed, others favor it," City Councilman Don Tatzin said Friday. "It has put some people on edge, particularly those who have sons or other loved ones in the military. They view these crosses as a sign of disrespect and not as a sign of respect, and it's also a reminder of what might happen to their loved ones."

After one angry motorist got out of her car and knocked the sign down, city officials told the memorial's builders to remove the sign because it violated local zoning laws. But the group has kept the sign in place -- and on Sunday added 120 crosses.

snip...
"We've been accused of being political, but the sign isn't political," said memorial leader Jeff Heaton, 53, a general contractor and a lifelong resident of Lafayette. "It's a statement of fact."

The memorial is seen by thousands of commuters and others who drive along Highway 24 and take BART through Lafayette, a largely bedroom community nestled between Berkeley and Walnut Creek. The City Council plans to discuss the sign and allow residents to voice their opinions about the issue at its Nov. 27 meeting.

more...
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/11/20/MNG0DMGE091.DTL

[Kelly Rupert]

1. I can't think of anything more disrespectful

than an austere white cross.

And man, vandals are placing them everywhere, dishonoring our war dead.

[Fierce]

2. The truth hurts.

ETA: And when the truth hurts, it's important to think about why it hurts.

[buddysmellgood]

3. God forbid anyone be reminded of what could happen to a loved one in war.

[bryant69]

4. We live in a crazy world

Or politicized anyway.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[arcane1]

5. damn, I ride through there on BART every day

and haven't seen this... then again, I'm usually asleep :)

[jpwhite]

6. nice idea but...

If you really want to honor the dead in Iraq take the time and write each and every person's name on each cross. That would be cool.

I am here in Iraq and I appreciate what this person is trying to do. How about we do one better though. Let's set aside some land in DC right now, and when this whole thing is over build a memorial for those who died in "operation Iraqi freedom" and in Afghanistan as well. I don't think we should wait like we did for the Vietnam vets or the WWII vets.

Let's do the right thing and honor those who served, regardless of how why they were put there. This isn't about politics, it's about doing the right thing.

James
[e-mail]

[Kadie]

7. Welcome to DU jpwhite!

:hi:


"How about we do one better though. Let's set aside some land in DC right now, and when this whole thing is over build a memorial for those who died in "operation Iraqi freedom" and in Afghanistan as well. I don't think we should wait like we did for the Vietnam vets or the WWII vets."

I think that is a great idea!


Take Care!


:patriot: