Vienna, Austria—The below opinion piece pertains to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) policy change from February 12, 2025, on the topic of flag displaying. The piece is written by George Bottorff, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, retired. George is a California UOCAVA voter, resident of Austria, and Member of the Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families Caucus.
______________
|
I was born and raised in Parker, Arizona, and I proudly enlisted in the Marines in 1972 during a time of war, protests, and political uncertainty. Growing up in my small town, it was a very diverse community. I heard a lot of different languages spoken such as Mandarin, Spanish, Diné Bizaad (Navajo), and Hopi – these are some I can clearly remember. But my state has 22 different federally-recognized Tribes, which means our friends and neighbors consist of a variety of rich cultures and languages. Sarah Inama, a school teacher in Idaho, once put up a sign that stated, “Everyone is Welcome Here.” The school board wanted the sign to be removed. She refused because as a teacher it didn’t matter the person’s background. She believed we all need a safe space for students to be accepted as they are and learn to work together. By this simple act of kindness, Sarah held on to the value that we must teach respect for one another. The VA hospital in Phoenix took down the 22 Tribal flags stating that they could only be displayed when a visiting dignitary would be visiting. But the VA Secretary does not realize that the people who enter the VA hospitals are all dignitaries. Just like the schoolteacher in Idaho whose sign says, “Everyone is Welcome Here,” this is indicative of what those flags mean to the 22 Tribes of Arizona. It is a great disrespect to the Tribal Nations, their elders, and our nation’s military-connected communities stemming from Native American ancestry. The Navajo Code Talkers – whose code was never broken – saved a lot of American lives during WWII. We owe them a great deal of respect and our gratitude. To rip away their Tribal flag is despicable and M.A.G.A. symbolism at its worst. Arizona’s Tribal areas already represent numerous economic challenges. During the COVID era, the international non-profit Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) went to Arizona to help with medical treatment. According to them, in all the countries they had gone to, the United States was the “worst” they had ever encountered. In many communities there was no electricity, no water, no toilets—and as a reminder, this was America they were referring to. So, Mr. Secretary, Americans expect you to do the task you were given and that is to help veterans – this includes the Native American dignitaries that enter the hospitals you oversee. If you really want to look for places to cut Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) altogether, perhaps you should start with yourself. As a veteran myself, I know DEI (Dumb Educated Individual) when I see it, and you, Mr. Secretary, are part of the DEI “problem” that should be totally removed from public service. Since you will not fire yourself, then do the job you were given and start by putting back the Tribal Flags, roll your sleeves up, and start helping these dignitaries become healthy again. |
___________
U.S. citizens living abroad, both civilian and military, are highly encouraged to check your voter registration status and request your ballot for any upcoming elections in your home voting state that you are eligible to vote in.
The VMF Caucus, proudly consisting of veterans, military family members, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes, has a membership of approximately 1,300 members located in dozens of countries.
For questions pertaining to this statement, please reach out to