I would like to respond to those who criticized my letter regarding Professor Gradwohl’s appearance last Monday.

Anne R. Richards, your letter is groundless. I never once questioned anybody’s patriotism, which is the basis of your letter. I simply stated that the protest was not patriotic in theme. There are many everyday events that are not patriotic in theme, yet they are not unpatriotic either. For example, going out to eat, to the bank, or to the post office are examples of other things that are not patriotic in theme. Thus, a retiree cannot wear their uniform while doing these either. You are wrong in inferring that because an event lacks a patriotic theme, the participants become unpatriotic.

I don’t care about the politics of the protest. I have never publicly stated where I stand on this issue, and I won’t because it’s irrelevant. My letter was to assert publicly that the professor was incorrect, which he admitted.

Ms. Richards, I applaud you for exercising your privilege to speak out against such a popular issue.

To Professor Gradwohl, keep writing letters and speaking out! That’s what this country is all about. I thank you for your service in Europe; I too have served in defense of this great country. All I ask is that you leave your uniform at home before your next protest.

2LT Lee Vandewater

Senior

History