By JOE BOCANEGRA &
MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
San Benito News
Tuesday evening, the San Benito City Commission decided to table a proposed ordinance that would restrict any political demonstrations from being held at the new San Benito Veteran’s War Memorial.
According to members of the San Benito Veteran’s Advisory Board, the memorial was to be set up as a place of respect, or “hallowed ground” was the term used by Chairman Victor Garza. If approved, the proposal will prevent posting of signs and/or any political demonstrations there, which includes picketing.
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Looks like we may be able to ban protests and non patriotic demonstrations after all with the blessing of aclu. Great day in SB.
The memorial is, in fact, “hallowed” ground and should be respect by one and all. HOWEVER, the memorial was built with EDC funds–specifically, funds from sales taxes generated by the citizenry in general. The funds, as well as the Veterans’ Memorial Park, belong to all!! “Built by veterans for veterans” is a pompous, overbearing statement that flies in the face of common sense.
It was built by Veterans by Veterans. Im standing by that point for the original was. The history of San Benito includes this in its ledgers. The new one was to replace it and yes it was built with EDC funds. The orginal wasnt. The city knows this and if history serves correctly. Former Mayor and Veteran Ceasar Gonzalez was present during its days when services were held. Its something that will live on. I remember one man who was there helping out to earn funds for this was Juan Francisco Guerra, he proudly served in the United States Army and was one of the Valley’s most decorated military heroes. He earned five bronze stars during World War II, American Defense Service Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Distinguished Service Cross by Theater Commander Matthew B. Ridgeway, and the Korean Service Medal. You want me to go on. How about former city commisioner Rene Montalvo, served in WWII and Pedro T. Cantu also a WWII vet. These men served and also helped raised the funds for the original memorial. Its like with time things improve and from the foundation that these men did and raised. The new memorial got its roots.
If it wasnt for the Veterans, supplying those raffle tickets and food plates, you contribute for a product from there the issue where the money went goes directly to the memorial fund. Its the same thing with stores, you buy the product so what they do they money to build something, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE, stand the same principal. Im not bashing your point of view sir. Veterans arent pushing it into your face. they just want respect. Freedom of speech is pushed to its limits to justify the means. There is such a thing as too much freedom. If I were to be posting false information about you, you shouldnt complain for i can hide behind the freedom of speech clause. Freedom to assemble, theres a time and place for that. Should that entitle me to have a gay rights rally in downtown San Benito, without being protested against. i know it protests would come from church and local residents; therefore, certain things are allowed and others are not. This issue is bringing out the worst in people. Its all about respecting. Veterans havent had their fair share. Vietnam Vets got spitted upon and called baby killers. Many others still arent getting their benefits. Its tough. This issue has caused us to argue against each other and it should be so. I can bring up many points and you make good ones also. This is a neverending issue. We have demonstrated the freedom of speech in this forum. As for assembly, has anyone picketted this issue pro or anti for it yet. I was tabled by what I understand. How many times have issues been tabled for it will create controversy? I will stand my ground and you stand yours. This issue is far from over, until the next council meeting. It needs to be voted on and go on to the next issue that will probably be another example of our freedoms.
Here we go Mr. Reyna…you say…”These veterans fought for your right to speak and to have your opinion. I’m glad your practicing it.” Cut the rhetoric Mr. Reyna….I’ve heard enough it ! In supporting this ordinance, you are going against the same rights you claim to fight and defend for. Does Freedom of Speech and Freedom to Assembly ring the bell sir?? You are a prime example of why the masses as you call us don’t come out on Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day. It’s the same ol crap…”You are free because of us!” Enough!!!
I respect the veterans that don’t have to remind us why they volunteered to enlist in the military and don’t throw in our faces what they did and where. We know their sacrifices sir!! BOTTOM LINE: This ordinance is clearly unconstitutional and will never hold up in court. It’s just making our city look like morons!! By the way Mr. Reyna, I bought some of those raffle tickets and BBQ plates you sold and yes donated when over $200,000 in pledges were collected by the city. And yes, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE!!!!
This park was erected by VETERANS for VETERANS???? I don’t think so! This park was erected by the PEOPLE for the PEOPLE!!! No politicking…I get it, but for veterans to say its only their park and for only them to use….common on people!! Have these veterans forgot the rights that they were fighting for when they voluntarily entilsted in the military? And then for Victor Garza to call this park “HALLOWED GROUND”?? Common Mr. Garza!! Last time I checked no one was burried there!! This park was erected for the entire community and not just a selected few. Years ago we would even have Homecoming Peprallys in that parks Pavilion. I think this dumb ordinance is going too far~!!!
The orginial was erected and solicitated by Veterans, JROD. I remember helping the Catholic War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and everyday Veterans accumalte money by selling raffle tickets, barbque plates and donations for it. The original was built and stood many years before it was torn down to be redesigned and re-erected. You mention it was erected by the people for the people, then why doesnt the people back up this proposal or come out in the masses to pay respects when its Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day. These veterans fought for your right to speak and to have your opinion. Im glad your practicing it. It may feel that it is unjust and by Mr Garza calling it HALLOWED GROUND is absurd to you. No one has to be buried there. Its like saying that at a church, it isnt hallowed ground either but we respect that it is. I remember a time when carnivals during Christmas and peprallys were celebrated here. After all said and done, at the end of the festivites there was gum on the plaques, graffitti written, and disregard for what it meant. It just to create a dignified place that is to be respected. JROD, this is not a dumb ordinance. Imagine all the men and women from San Benito who have served their country. Tell them that you want to run for city council and use the memorial as a steping stone backdrop. City Council candidates and runners for office used to ask permission to put support signs, but not of this importance. Should I go and put signs around Freddy Fenders memorial, no because its just not done.
The problem is ACLU. I wish the politicking can be banned from this area but they will be there to harrass the early voters for the school race come April. I pray that those running for office will have the decency to forbid their supporters from carrying signs and yelling at voters near the memorial. And voters, do not support candidates who are disrespecting the memorial by allowing politics near the memorial. But by law they cannot be forbidden from doing it, unfortunately,
As the son of a deceased Vietnam Vet, it come to light that as a young boy growing up in San Benito, I passed the memorial with honorable eyes. I was there when it was orginally built and attended all functions with my father, REYNALDO L. REYNA. I met many men and women from San Benito who served their country with honor, respect for the flag and country, yet a sense of not enough was always there. I can run down a list of men and women whom served.. They deserve to be respected. This memorial is just for that. I remember as a kid hearing the definition of the STARS and STRIPES, the meaning of the colors of the flag, and the names of fallen heroes from our own neighborhoods. We’ve got history in our small town. From my uncle’s who served in WWII, KOREA, and VIETNAM. Another uncle JOSE MARIA LOYA, a returned POW who marched in the MARCH of BATAAN. Now its our generation that has cousins, brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces who are serving, such as my cousin ROBERT GARZA. I touches me on a personal level. Now the suggestion to make this “hallowed ground” is upsetting. In the first place its a given. If your going to use the memorial as a background or soapbox for politics or other activity besides Veterans functions shouldnt even cross anyones mind. Its just being respectful. This was erected for VETERANS by VETERANS. Just for a moment close your eyes, think of running for a CITY COUNCIL position you set everything up about to announce your intent to run and your backdrop is the MARINE CORPS STATUE in Harlingen. Its just not done. I have to give credit to the ones behind this proposal. As soon as it was brought up, it should have been accepted and passed. NO SECOND THOUGHTS.
The last thing we want to see is people not there for the right reason…this should be a place for us to remember ours brothers and clear our minds….Semper Fi
GySgt Vega
SBHS 99