2008 Woodie Awards
Wrestling cover disrespectful
Issue date: 12/9/05 Section: Rocket Letters
To the Editor:
As a Marine, I feel the need to respond to the photo of the SRU wrestling team depicting one of the most famous incidents of World War II, the U.S. Marines planting the flag on Mount Suribachi and using the phrase, Unknown Soldiers. The photo of these six Marines raising the American flag is a symbol of pride for all Marines. Many Marines and other military members lost their lives serving our country and this symbol reminds everyone of the sacrifices these people have given. It was a sign of hope to the men during World War II and it is still a sign of hope today. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is not to be disrespected. It is a resting place for a solider who gave his life to give all of us liberty and his identity is only known to God.
If there is one thing these two symbols should remind all of us is that freedom isn't free and that many men and women have lost their lives for our country. They proudly serve.
I find it difficult to compare the training and matches of the SRU wrestling team to that of the U.S. Marines. The wrestling team is only representing the university and the sacrifice of training and dieting hardly compares to the rigorous training of a Marine. While the wrestling team should take pride in its accomplishments, I would hope that a better form of symbolism could be found. Although it is flattering that the team would like to be compared to Marines it is a title reserved for the few, the proud, the Marines. The title must be earned.
As a U.S. citizen who has earned the title of Marine and has proudly served my country and who has seen fellow Marines die for this country, I am insulted by the symbolism chosen by Dan Hooven and Nathan Collins. Out of respect for all those men and women who have sacrificed so much, a written apology would be appropriate.
Dennis Johnston
U.S. Marine
As a Marine, I feel the need to respond to the photo of the SRU wrestling team depicting one of the most famous incidents of World War II, the U.S. Marines planting the flag on Mount Suribachi and using the phrase, Unknown Soldiers. The photo of these six Marines raising the American flag is a symbol of pride for all Marines. Many Marines and other military members lost their lives serving our country and this symbol reminds everyone of the sacrifices these people have given. It was a sign of hope to the men during World War II and it is still a sign of hope today. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is not to be disrespected. It is a resting place for a solider who gave his life to give all of us liberty and his identity is only known to God.
If there is one thing these two symbols should remind all of us is that freedom isn't free and that many men and women have lost their lives for our country. They proudly serve.
I find it difficult to compare the training and matches of the SRU wrestling team to that of the U.S. Marines. The wrestling team is only representing the university and the sacrifice of training and dieting hardly compares to the rigorous training of a Marine. While the wrestling team should take pride in its accomplishments, I would hope that a better form of symbolism could be found. Although it is flattering that the team would like to be compared to Marines it is a title reserved for the few, the proud, the Marines. The title must be earned.
As a U.S. citizen who has earned the title of Marine and has proudly served my country and who has seen fellow Marines die for this country, I am insulted by the symbolism chosen by Dan Hooven and Nathan Collins. Out of respect for all those men and women who have sacrificed so much, a written apology would be appropriate.
Dennis Johnston
U.S. Marine
