As an American, a veteran, a board member of the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center and a citizen of Chattanooga, I would like to address David Cook's commentary in the Chattanooga Times Free Press last Sunday about the Heritage Center and its proposed location in Coolidge Park.
First, it's ironic his column opposing the proposed Heritage Center came one day shy of the 71st anniversary of the city of Chattanooga committing to build what was then a 22-acre community park to honor Charles H. Coolidge and all area veterans for their service and sacrifices to our country - a commitment that remains unfulfilled today.
John EdwardsMuch has been said about the intent of Coolidge Park and the Heritage Center. From my perspective, the intent of both are one and the same - to create a place that honors Coolidge, the only Medal of Honor recipient from Chattanooga, and all area veterans. It will not, as Cook claims, be a place that glorifies war or the military but the men and women of all ethnic backgrounds who served our country with honor.
That's right. The Heritage Center will celebrate the heritage of the Medal of Honor and recognize Chattanooga as the birthplace of the Medal of Honor.
The connection to Chattanooga started when the first Medal of Honor was awarded to Pvt. Jacob Parrott for his actions with the Andrews Raiders in 1862 and continued the following year when 32 additional men and one woman received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the Chattanooga campaign of 1863. These battles are important to our history as they broke the Confederate siege on Chattanooga and paved the way to ending the Civil War and making all of our citizens free.
However, the Heritage Center is about far more than the Civil War. It also will honor 10 more men from the Chattanooga region who have received the Medal of Honor for their actions in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Cook uses the term "built hesitatingly" to describe the new Heritage Center. I wonder, after 71 years, how much more hesitant should we be? As to his comments associating veterans during time of war as being "engaged in the most lamentable of activities," I wonder if he has considered where our country would be today if not for the actions of our military during World War II.
Yes, every veteran takes an oath to defend our country against all enemies - both foreign and domestic. Throughout our history, millions have given their lives and made significant sacrifices so we might be free and have parks like Coolidge Park. Dedicating a small, one-tenth of an acre site among 12-plus acres seems a small price to pay to honor Coolidge and our veterans.
It also should be noted the Heritage Center has adopted the Medal of Honor Foundation's character development program that will engage our community and have a positive impact on children during a time when it is sorely needed. By having the Heritage Center easily accessible and centrally located in Coolidge Park, more of our youth will be able to access this program and learn about the six characteristics of the Medal of Honor: courage, commitment, citizenship, sacrifice, integrity and patriotism.
Yes, I proudly served my country as a combat squad leader in Vietnam, during which I received the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star. I would like to leave David Cook with a quote by Abraham Lincoln: "Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure."
It's time to step up and fulfill the city's promise. It's time to do the right thing and honor Coolidge by building the Heritage Center in Coolidge Park.
If you agree, please voice your support today by sending an email to our elected officials at council@chattanooga.gov and mayor@chattanooga.gov.
John Edwards is publisher of The Chattanooga Courier.