Letters to the Editor 03/19/2008

To the Editor:

If you've ever thought you'd like to help maintain the trails we enjoy in Central Oregon, there will be two free trainings this May at which you can learn the needed skills. Details can be found at the Web link here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/admin/volunteer/training/index.html.

Registration has begun and the Central Oregon session at Allingham Fire Camp near Camp Sherman is likely to fill, so best not to wait to register. Registration closes April 15. Volunteers from local trail clubs are working with the Forest Service and High Cascade Forest Volunteers to put on these trainings free of charge.

Forest Service trail maintenance budgets have been slashed by Congress over the past two decades, thus making trail volunteers essential to keep trails open and in good shape. Without more trail volunteers, we are in danger of losing some trails. Please share this opportunity with friends you think might be interested.

John Schubert

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To the Editor:

Regarding "City in flap over flag" The Nugget, March 12, page 1.

I think that we cannot ever have too many flags flying. I feel such a sense of pride when I see the flag flying at the schools, the fire station and various houses and businesses around Sisters. I fly the American flag every day at my house, weather permitting.

Really folks, if the city will not fund the flag pole, let the VFW do it. It will not subtract from the importance of the park dedicated to the veterans. Let's show some pride and appreciation for those who have lived and died for this great country. I think there is no law saying we can only have one area that is dedicated to their memory.

A very proud American,

Denise Wheeler

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To the Editor:

I am dismayed that the placing of our national flag has become an issue for the City of Sisters.

Whenever a plaque or remembrance of those who have served, or fallen, in defense of our freedoms is established the placement and care of the flag serves as a constant reminder of the obligation of our citizens to honor and cherish the sacrifice that accompanies such service.

The flag represents our nation's struggles on behalf of its citizens and others who have never seen our shores; it is the symbol beneath which over one million of our brothers and sisters have been laid to their eternal rest having given their last measure of devotion to the ideals of freedom. Too often our flag is relegated to fly only over isolated memorials, government offices and public schools.

A flag placement in the center of a community park, lowered appropriately and lighted at night is a daily reminder of the responsibilities of each of us - whether on a field of battle or with our political voice - to maintain this nation's ideals for all of mankind.

Major General (Ret) Charles Rosenfeld

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To the Editor:

Where is it written there can be only one flag pole in town? I am a combat vet. I gave my country a blank check on my life by signing up to serve during wartime and ended up spending nine months in the jungle of Vietnam.

I have been shot at a lot and did my share of shooting. I will not go into how I feel about how we vets were treated back home then. I feel the city owes us vets more than a little respect. That's my opinion. Any one on the city counsel that has a combat action badge, I will listen to your opposing opinion. Otherwise, I will not.

David Culver

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To the Editor:

To all the Mr. SHS contestants: you did a great job and it was a fun event for Doernbecher.

Riley Gilmore is a well deserved winner.

The Meyer family