Remember, they died defending us

Inter Lake editorial

As is tradition, Americans have flocked to their favorite recreation destinations for the Memorial Day weekend. But now, how about some reflection to go with all that rest and relaxation?

We owe it to our countrymen and women to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have died serving and protecting the United States and its interests abroad. No one should need a reminder, considering that there are two very current and real theaters of war that the U.S. is engaged in, with military personnel putting themselves in harm's way while the picnics carry on back home.

Every year, the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley pay tribute and preseent military honors at cemeteries around the valley. Attending one of these ceremonies or even putting up an American flag would be even better than reflection.

BY THE WAY, the rights which these men and women died defending include the "right of the people to peaceably assemble."

That right has been the subject of an interesting debate in Kalispell in the past week, after some people decided to challenge a planned gay parade in Kalispell next month.

In arguments and counter-arguments before the City Council (and in at least 150 reader comments on the Daily Inter Lake's Web site), the issue is whether gays should be allowed to parade.

It really shouldn't be an issue.

The right to hold a parade goes back to the earliest days of this country. If you aren't interested in what a particular parade has to offer, then don't attend it.

The city of Kalispell already has granted permits for the June parade. The recent petition drive should not reverse that decision or deny constitutional rights to any group.