Letter: Honor

Published 12:15 am Thursday, August 1, 2024

The writer of the July 25 letter, “Kicking the can,” posed the question: “Whose heritage are the Friends of Heritage Square actually defining?” I don’t have the answer to that important question, but it does bring forward two thoughts that I have always had about the property surrounding Astoria’s infamous “pit.”

No. 1: The private group that organized, designed and raised funds to build the Garden of Surging Waves made a beautiful and important contribution to Astoria’s history and landscape, and beyond the square, the Astoria Nordic Heritage Park coalition has done the same good work.

No. 2: I would propose that the Fiends and the city consider a prominent area of the square to honor our military — not specific wars or battles, simply large flagpoles with the flag of each branch of the military service, and a much larger and more prominent flag of the U.S stars and stripes. In addition, there should be a fountain and a sculpture that symbolizes peace and union.

This area should only be used to honor those who have served to defend our county, and any other flags that represent other special groups should be considered for a separate area. The American flag is such an important symbol of our democracy, and should not be used as a representation of any single ideology. It represents all the people of this United States of America, and hopefully Astoria’s inclusion will extend to the idea of peace and unity.

LARRY ALLEN

Astoria