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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 13, 2019)
4A WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2019 The Observer OUR VIEW We can never forget The local community came out in force Monday to honor area veterans, a clear sign that Union County hasn’t forgotten those who made a sacri- fi ce and a commitment to our nation. That says a lot about our area and a lot more about the type of people who live and work and play in our great part of the state. There are more than 18 million veterans in the United States, and Monday allowed the entire na- tion to take a collective moment to recognize their sacrifi ce and commitment. For many of us, Monday was a welcome day off or part of a three-day weekend. For millions of others, though, the day carried a special signifi cance and marked one of the few times during the year when the great nation they defended stopped and tipped its hat. Veterans Day is more than just another day off. The day began as Armistice Day, which recognized the anniversary of the end of World War I. Later, the day was made an annual observance. The day is rightly a celebration to recognize our veterans for their patriotism and service, but it should also serve as a reminder that we owe all of those who participated in our Armed Forces a debt we will probably never be able to repay. Men and women have gladly stepped forward throughout our history to defend what is, in a real way, a collection of concepts. The Constitution and its Bill of Rights are words supported by a philoso- phy of democracy that remains an experiment. Yet each year millions join our Armed Forces, and they swear an oath. Not an oath to the president. Not an oath to Congress. They pledge their souls to defend the Constitution. That makes us unique in many ways from na- tions across the globe. Our men and women make a choice to lay it all on the line for words. For a philosophy. Our veterans deserve to be recognized and lauded. Each one made a conscious choice to sac- rifi ce their time — and in many cases their bodies — for their nation. While many of us built lives, raised children and attended youth sports events, our veterans were far away from home. They were sometimes stationed on foreign shores, in harm’s way, while the rest of us went along with our lives. We can’t forget their sacrifi ce. So as the 2019 Veterans Day recedes, we must all collectively remember their sacrifi ce and endeavor to ensure their needs — mental and physical — are met. MY VOICE Appeal should wait until spring A fter reading the news article about the Union County Warming Station in La Grande (“New shelter site heats up,” The Observer, Oct. 30), I, a lowly resident of our fair city and loyal Ob- server subscriber, felt the need to express some concerns for a warming station to be located in our city. I read that Al Adelsberger, someone I believe to have a number of business interests in our area, fi led an appeal re- garding the decision to allow a warming station to be located near downtown La Grande this season. The article quoted him as stating: “I am all for it.… Anyone who is against helping the homeless is not a good person.” According to the article, Mr. Adelsberger cited various concerns about this project. So it would seem that as much as he agrees this project is needed, out of the goodness of his own heart and out of grave concern for us “backward folk,” he fi led the ap- peal. If Mr. A. really is “all for it,” I do wonder why he would fi le this appeal right before the station would open. Why not fi le an appeal last spring or sum- mer, allowing time to discuss and make changes to the plan? As things stand, the warming station is doomed for at least this cold weather season. Why not let it My Voice ABOUT THE AUTHOR Angela Eytchison is a resident of La Grande. My Voice columns refl ect the views of the author only. My Voice columns should be 500-700 words or as space allows. Submissions should include a portrait-type photograph of the author. Authors also should include their full name, age, occupation and relevant organizational memberships. We edit submissions for brevity, grammar, taste and legal reasons. We do not fact check. We reject those published elsewhere. Send columns to La Grande Observer, 1406 Fifth St., La Grande, 97850, fax them to 541-963-7804 or email them to news@lagrandeobserver. com. go forward for at least this season? I have heard that a fair number of our very own residents have had to seek shelter in a warming station during pre- Your views LaMont: American Legion Auxiliary aims to improve lives of veterans To the Editor: The members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 43 La Grande invite everyone to pause to remember those who have fought for our freedoms. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for serving this great country. Thank you for protecting us. Thank you for the security we have here at home. We know you sacrifi ced much for your country and all of us. And though you may no longer wear the uniform, we know you’re always on call to serve and protect the freedom and security of the United States of America. Thank you to all who have so bravely protected us. Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) helps to advance the mission of the American Legion. With nearly three-quarters of a million members, it is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization (all spouses of veterans are eligible now) and one of the na- tion’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military and their families. ALA members volunteer millions of hours annually, with a value averaging $2 billion each year. From helping to draft the GI Bill in 1944 to advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, the American Legion Fam- ily has been instrumental in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. To learn more and get involved, visit www.ALA- forVeterans.org. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Stopped account balances less than $5 will be refunded upon request. Subscription rates per month: By carrier...............................................$11.80 By mail, all other U.S. .............................. $15 A division of Lowe: Do you want your children growing up in a segregated white society? To the Editor: A picture is worth a thousand words. I came across a Commemorative News- week magazine dated Dec. 3, 2001. The cover showed a crowd after Sept. 11. A crowd of Americans, every race and creed and persuasion. Black, white, brown, every shade and color of people. Now compare that picture with Don- ald Trump’s rallies. Look at Trump’s crowds — almost all white Republicans. Donald’s white anti-abortion, anti- gay, anti-immigration crowds are not representative of America; they are an anomaly. Do you want your children growing up in a segregated white so- ciety? America’s already been through that. Maggie LaMont American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 43, president, La Grande Ron Lowe Nevada City, California STAFF Phone: SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE NEWSSTAND PRICE: $1.50 You can save up to 34% off the single-copy price with home delivery. Call 541-963-3161 to subscribe. vious cold seasons, for various reasons but mainly due to lack of adequate heat in their residence. And was the following statement made during a planning meeting? (I am paraphrasing.) “If you are so worried about the homeless, why don’t you just take them home with you?” How kind. It is easy to sit in comfort and make such a cruel and heart- less pronouncement. And no personal consequences for such an opinion. What if those individuals speaking against the warming station were given this choice: Allow the warming station to be implemented now, or shelter “them” in their own home? Hmmm. If the Union County Warming Station is not a perfect plan, then Mr. A. and any other concerned citizens need to get to work on ideas and revisions now. Put your ideas together and come on back to the Planning Commission this spring. Right now this looks like a very obvi- ous plan to put a stop to a much needed project. Just saving us from ourselves, huh? Mr. Adelsberger, please withdraw this appeal now, and wait for an appropriate time, like spring or summer, to make plans for revisions. 541-963-3161 An independent newspaper founded in 1896 (USPS 299-260) The Observer reserves the right to adjust subscription rates by giving prepaid and mail subscribers 30 days notice. Periodicals postage paid at La Grande, Oregon 97850. Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except Dec. 25) by EO Media Group, 1406 Fifth St., La Grande, OR 97850 (USPS 299-260) COPYRIGHT © 2019 THE OBSERVER The Observer retains ownership and copyright protection of all staff-prepared news copy, advertising copy, photos and news or ad illustrations. They may not be reproduced without explicit prior approval. Toll free (Oregon): 1-800-422-3110 Fax: 541-963-7804 Email: news@lagrandeobserver.com Website: www.lagrandeobserver.com Street address: 1406 Fifth St., La Grande POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Observer, 1406 Fifth St., La Grande, OR 97850 Periodicals postage paid at: La Grande, Oregon 97850 Publisher........................................Karrine Brogoitti Home delivery advisor.................Amanda Fredrick Regional circulation director ....................Kelli Craft Customer service rep ......................... 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