Veterans’ stories of service illustrate the value and strength of American diversity | Opinion
Hope for fractured world
Veterans Day offers a beacon of hope in a world marred by divisions.
As a Marine Corps infantry veteran who served from 2000-2004, I’ve witnessed the healing power of sharing one’s military journey, of bonding over shared sacrifices, and of bridging divides.
In our country, division often feels like the status quo; however, my time in the Marines showed me a different truth.
Side by side, we served, laughed, and fought, regardless of differences in skin color, politics, or beliefs. We epitomized the diversity that is America.
Veterans Day is a reminder that unity is possible. Through veterans’ stories, we find understanding, empathy, and unity.
This day is more than a holiday; it’s a moment for dialogue and acknowledgment of the challenges veterans face.
In a fractured world, we must remember that our distinctions do not define us.
Inspired by the patriotism and strength of servicemen and women from all walks of life, we can find hope.
As our state motto proclaims, “Dum spiro spero”—while I breathe, I hope.
Happy Veterans Day weekend.
Robert LeHeup, Columbia
Let teachers be experts
Please listen to our highly-trained professional teachers, librarians and school staff, many of whom have earned master’s degrees from legitimate programs.
They engage directly with the students themselves.
School teachers and librarians are in tune with students and what reading materials they need. Let qualified, trained professionals select what books and other reading materials will be used. Books of fantasy by authors such as Roald Dahl offer delightful reading at age-appropriate levels. Dahl is often called the number one story teller in the world.
Do not ban his books.
Let the people actually teaching reading to their classes – who are guiding writing instruction
and encouraging our future leaders, workers, and professionals – decide which materials are appropriate.
If a car’s brakes need repair, drivers want a certified brake technician to do the job.
A licensed, professional dentist cares for teeth.
A trained and licensed pharmacist fills prescriptions.
Parents likewise must insist on having fully-trained and certified education professionals deciding what is the best reading materials for students.
It is fundamentally basic to public schools’ success.
My years as both a high school English teacher and a school librarian testify to it.
Elizabeth Jones, M.Ed., Columbia
Hunger lives here
Note: The writer is president of the Second Helpings Board of Directors.
Thank you for your recent article highlighting the food waste problem in South Carolina (“SC wastes more food than any other state, new study shows. Here’s why and how much”).
Second Helpings is a nonprofit food rescue organization striving to eliminate hunger in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
We collect and distribute food that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. Our more than 300 volunteers provide 3.2 million pounds of food annually, free of charge, to more than 50 food pantries and soup kitchens in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties.
Here’s how the community can get involved in fighting hunger and food waste:
• Drop off unopened, non-perishable food at one of the food pantries and soup kitchens we serve. A map can be found at https://www.secondhelpingslc.org/our-partners/agency-partners.
• Donate to support our food rescue efforts at https://www.secondhelpingslc.org/.
• Hold a food drive to encourage neighbors to donate food. Contact Second Helpings at (843) 689-3689 for more information.
• Raise awareness among friends and neighbors.
Hunger has a local address. Approximately 20,000 people in our three-county area are food insecure. With the support of our community, we are providing food for the hungry while helping the environment.
Mary Ann Bell, HHI
Best and brightest?
Well, it’s obvious the inmates have taken over the asylum!
The reality is we elected these people to Congress.
Certainly not the best and brightest needed to run our government.
Surely we can do better.
Peter Trager, HHI
