Vietnam debate lingers for many

The sweltering heat was no barrier to 250 North Pinellas residents paying homage to the nation's veterans at Largo's annual Veterans Day celebration.

But the mood was different from that of Veterans Days events of the 1990s. Sept. 11, 2001, still lingered on people's minds, and many murmured appreciatively when the headline speaker gave an unapologetically pro-war speech and explained his position on the "truth" of the Vietnam War.

"We must tell them that we veterans didn't lose the war in Vietnam," said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Fred Edwards Jr. Instead, Edwards suggested, children should be taught that Vietnam War veterans fought until their superiors told them to come home.

Remembering Vietnam was a major focus at Monday's veterans celebration, which drew an estimated 150 Vietnam vets, organizers said.

Edwards' speech hinted at what some called an information revolution and others called the continuation of a homeland battle for veterans rights and respect, as well as acknowledgement of their place in history.

"The children need to learn this," said David Miller, a Vietnam veteran and president of the Pinellas County Veterans Liaison Council.

At the same time, at least one dissenter carried a sign reading: "Bush, Cheney and the rest of the 'not me' chicken hawks want others to die." Held by Mark Klutho, who often speaks at City Council meetings and says he is a veteran, the sign caused quite a stir among those wearing red, white and blue shirts.

One woman decided to follow Klutho around Largo Central Park, all the while standing close to him and telling him he was not wanted.

"You're a disgrace to the 173rd," she said to him.

Klutho said he fought for his own right to free speech.

Largo police eventually came in to tell the woman to maintain some distance from Klutho.

Miguel Rosario, 36, brought his three little girls to observe the ceremony and look at the posting of the colors.

"I wanted them to see what these people before us did," said the active duty Army National Guardsman. "The speech was inspirational."

Others, like Mayor Bob Jackson, lamented the demise of patriotism but noted that after Sept. 11 posting the colors became popular.

In the end, the only thing that can truly hurt the United States is a lack of participation among citizens, Edwards said.

"For the great numbers of us, we fought as Americans," Edwards said. "Only apathy can overcome us in the long run."

-- Adrienne P. Samuels can be reached at 445-4157 or samuels@sptimes.com

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