American Legion Post responds to online comments on Nazi items on display in cabinet in Daronco Town House
To the editor:
The American Legion, Pelham Post No. 50 recently learned a Pelham-based Facebook page contained suggestions the historical cabinet in the Daronco Town House Guild Room includes World War II items that somehow glorify the detestable Nazi regime. We wish to alleviate any such thoughts or concerns and encourage the Pelham community to reach out to us for clarification on any questions about our Post and our activities before publishing online content that could be misinterpreted by other members of this community.
The historical cabinet at issue has been in place for decades as a reminder of why our country has fought on the side of freedom and includes items captured by our WWII and Vietnam veterans during their service, including the items of concern. These historical items have been used for decades to teach important American and world history lessons to many, including the Pelham Scouts who helped put together the display as part of an Eagle Scout program, but they also serve as a reminder of—an a homage to—the Pelham veterans who fought, and in too many cases, gave their lives in service to our country.
As the premier veteran service organization, currently celebrating our centennial, we are duty bound to preserve the memories of all conflicts in the hope that someday there will be an end to these conflicts and people will be able to live together in peace. We encourage community involvement and welcome anyone to contact us to better understand what we stand for before engaging in conversation that can be misinterpreted by the community.
Robert Sweeney
Commander
Joseph E. Durnin, Jr.
33 Second Ave.
Mary Hertzog • Jul 14, 2019 at 6:12 pm
I was stunned and disgusted by the MOPS thread. I personally apologize to the American Legion that their motives were ever questioned or “investigated ” by MOPS. One phone call to Joe Durnin (listed in the phone book) would have cleared this up.
April Jenkins • Jul 13, 2019 at 12:02 pm
I wholeheartedly support Mr. Durnin. George Santayana famously said, “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Historical displays, providing proper context, are essential to our growth as a society.
As per Pat Maxwell’s comment, you wrote — “It’s amazing that people who consider themselves so accepting and inclusive are so quick to judge when things don’t match their politics.” I certainly hope that the politics of those in our community don’t “match” the ideals of Nazism or fascism. I, for one, don’t think it’s “amazing” that anyone in the community, no matter how accepting or inclusive, would be willing to accept hate or include bigotry as an ideal they support.
Pat Maxwell • Jul 10, 2019 at 7:34 pm
I followed that Facebook post with disgust for the past week. Rather than finding out the background of the display, people chose to jump to the very wrong conclusion about this display of historical artifacts.
It’s amazing that people who consider themselves so accepting and inclusive are so quick to judge when things don’t match their politics.