Sometimes a story comes along that you just do not want to write. And so the case is with the front-page story about the controversy with the Heartland Youth for Decency Vietnam War Memorial. This article, in my opinion, is one that I hoped would have never made it for several reasons. But, with that said, it is imperative, regardless of whether or not you have personal conflicts with the story that you move on as fairly as you can.
Sometimes a story comes along that you just do not want to write. And so the case is with the front-page story about the controversy with the Heartland Youth for Decency Vietnam War Memorial. This article, in my opinion, is one that I hoped would have never made it for several reasons. But, with that said, it is imperative, regardless of whether or not you have personal conflicts with the story that you move on as fairly as you can.
The HYFD Vietnam Memorial holds a special place in many hearts. To the HYFD, it is not only recognition in a war in which veterans never received the proper recognition they deserved, but also it is a life-long labor of love. That love began with working with their parents to make it one of the first of its kind in the nation, honoring those who died serving their country, whether or not the country supported the war or not. And this issue over the watering of two small patches of grass seems miniscule compared to the original intent of the memorial.
The city of La Mesa was smart in deeding the property to the American Legion Post 282, but it did not keep its bargain in maintaining the memorial and without Oresta Johnson and the rest of HYFD, this memorial would still be in a state of destruction. Although they are not a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, they banded together to bring the memorial back to its original condition, updated it with missing names and added some touching features to this small memorial park that adds so much more to community.
There is no blame for the decay of the memorial on current American Legion Post 282 Commander John Porath, as he was not part of this Post as they let it turn into shambles, which went against the agreement originally signed by the city when they deeded the land in its care. However, how it is handled currently is his responsibility.
In meeting with Porath, I can understand his frustration, but I do not understand his fierce stance on replacing the small patches of grass around the memorial with river rock. He stands on the belief that it will help the drought and save the Post money in maintenance. But in reality, without ripping out the trees with the grass, there will be no significant change in the bi-monthly bill as the water is set at minimum standards, barely keeping the trees and grass alive.
In walking through the facility, he is correct that the Post’s facility needs major refurbishing on the upper level and in doing so, it could help the revenue stream into the Post if that space became available for use. Porath needs to focus on the problems with the Post’s facility and this he said, she said banter between him and Johnson needs to stop. It bears no good fruit for either entity. I believe that Porath should stand down on the memorial issue and leave it as it is and as it was intended and focus on his much larger problems with the facility and a dwindling membership.
It is a shame that the two cannot work this out amicably, but in speaking with both I think it has passed the point of reconciliation and cooperation without mediation. And that is partly faulted to American Legion District 22 Commander Desiree Herrera. Although I know she has no say in what Post 282 does, she clearly showed a lack of leadership skills by refusing to meet with the two and help resolve the matter, even with the full knowledge that it could bring a bad light to the entire organization as a whole. In the military we call it dereliction of duty.
This problem still needs mediation, and Porath backing off will not solve any future plans for the memorial. Someone has to step up and help get these two organizations, and the people that lead them, to work together.
This is not an American Legion or a HYFD problem. It is a community problem. Although the city deeded the property to the Legion Post, it does not own it. It was entrusted to its hands for future generations to come and it has no right to claim ownership in any other way other than its agreement to upkeep it. So other than helping keep it a monument that serves the people, leave it alone. Take the offers from HYFD members to pay the water bill and also come up with a plan to work side-by-side rather than be at odds with each other. It is the right thing to do, and the Post’s board members have the power to make it happen.
