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Hernando Today

Lack of respect

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Hernando Today

Published: November 18, 2009

Congress voted Armistice Day a federal holiday in 1938. Congress passed a bill renaming the federal holiday to Veterans Day in 1953. Florida recognizes Veterans Day as a holiday, and Hernando County commissioners signed a resolution declaring Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. All federal, sate, and county offices were closed, except for all essential services.

Only the Spring Hill Fire District conducted nonessential business. Fire commissioners held their meeting as usual, and the formal agenda did not recognize Veterans Day.

In no way do I question any board members patriotism, just their judgment. Commissioner Leo Jacobs stated that veterans should not challenge veterans. Veterans are citizens, and the three commissioners on the board who are veterans have served there country well.

They do not serve the community well when they tell people who disagree on issues that they are troublemakers and should not comment. Commissioner Jacobs, as chairman, during public comment has shut people off from speaking with less than the three minutes permitted, when they disagreed with his viewpoint. Instead of allowing people to have their three minutes and leave the podium, he often entered a provocative dialogue with citizens and provoked heated exchanges. There may never have been a confrontation if he chose not to scold citizens.

When removed as chairman by the board, he refused to vacate the chair. A recess had to be taken and the board attorney and chaplain had to reason with him to leave the chair in order for the meeting to continue.

Veterans Day should be observed by all public bodies. I do believe in punishing the guilty and having a free county for all to live in. Most veterans know that sometimes getting medals is one thing; living up to them is more difficult.

On Veterans Day we should acknowledge that "All gave some, and some gave all."

Maybe next year the Spring Hill Fire Board will observe Veterans Day.

Ken Fagan

Spring Hill

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