A Short History of Circle/Memorial Park
with a Concluding Commentary
Dear Editor,
posted 04/08/03
With all the rhetoric flying around about Circle / Memorial Park,it’s time we do some homework. With that in mind I went to both the County Assessor’s Office and the Town Hall to seek out some historical information about the park. I may not have all the "facts" available, and I invite others to contribute what they know.
The county had no real information. No taxes were ever paid on that plot of ground, it being in the middle of a right of way. It was public land to the county.
Town Hall had a bit of more information. According to the documents that I received, the first indication of a "park" in that spot was a comment that on Oct. 8, 1912 there was some activity at the foot of Spring Street conducted by the Friday Harbor Improvement Club. An old photo hanging in the Town Hall shows what looks like the beginnings of a circular park at the foot of Spring Street.
A letter from a Citizen’s committee petitioned the City Council of F.H. on April 10, 1917 to put a flag pole at the foot of Spring Street. Although not stated exactly where, it was presumably in the already now existing Circle Park. (The photo had no flag pole in it, so it may have been taken prior to 1917.)
Further Town records indicate that on Apr. 8, 1919, the Woman’s Study Club was granted permission to erect a memorial monument in the existing park. A letter from the Women’s Study Club, dated Jan. 2, 1987 states that this organization was responsible for raising the funds to establish a memorial in the park The memorial was unveiled on Armistice Day, 1921 and two elm trees were planted in memory of the army and navy boys who served in WWI. The Women’s Study Club maintained the park until 1923, when they turned this task over to the American Legion. However, the Study Club took back the maintainance duties in 1927, because the Legion did not "keep it up to the standards of the ladies." They maintained the park for many years until they turned that job over to the town (exact date unknown).
Sometime in the 1970s there must have been some nervousness about the permanence of "Memorial Park," i.e. that it could be abolished by a simple vote of the Town Council. The San Juan Island Grange passed a resolution which was sent to the Town Council with the following statement:
"Whereas, it has been brought to our attention that the small Memorial Park, situated within the confines of Spring Street, near the Harbor end of said street, has never been officially dedicated as a Memorial Park by the Town of Friday Harbor...." (16th Sept. 1970).
From this, one is to infer that Memorial Park had never been officially dedicated as a memorial park before 1970. Search of the Town records shows that on Oct. 1,1970, the Grange Letter was received, but it seems no action was ever taken by the Town Council to officially name the park, "Memorial Park." Presumably the park has no officially recognized name, other than what it is customarily called... Circle Park or Memorial Park. An unanswered question is who put up the sign "Memorial Park?"
In Sept. 1991 there was a move by a developer on Front Street to get Circle/Memorial Park moved to some other location. Supposedly its existence would impede traffic to the development in question. A letter was written by the American Legion stating that there was a unanimous vote to "leave the Memorial Monument at the foot of Spring Street where it is" (Sept. 23, 1991) A copy was sent to the Town Mayor. The park remained where it was.
Until the present controversy, the only other news item happened in the summer of 1991 when a truck knocked the memorial over. It was righted in time for Veterans Day.
What are we to conclude about the status of Circle/Memorial Park? I conclude the following:
- It is a park within an established public right of way. Therefore, it is a public park and its use falls under Town authority.
- The park existed before the memorial was unveiled in 1921.
- The park may have never been officially named "Memorial Park" by the Town. A search of the records indicate no such action.
- Further, according to the Town Administrator, King Fitch, the park has the same public status as any other park in the town.
- Legally, the town nor any other authority cannot legally curtail the freedom of speech in a public park.
The current controversy centers around what is appropriate behavior in a public park with a memorial in it. Whether one wants to elevate the park to the exalted status of a "sacred ground" or not depends on one’s individual perception. Supposedly, an officially recognized "sacred ground" deserves respect, but, obviously the rules and reguations that govern such respect are not universal. It is an individual matter. Does one take off his / her shoes when entering sacred ground? Are we to genuflect and cross ourselves? Does one refrain from boisterous arguing, playing drums or singing rock songs? Or should the advocacy peace and non-violence be curtailed and only flag waving be allowed? How do we honor "sacred space? " The answers are as diverse as our population.
Yes, we are a small and diverse community. Unlike most small rural communities we are a complex population with differing opinions. But, so far, I am proud that we can stand peacefully side-by-side and express ourselves in and around Circle / Memorial Park. That seems "American" to me.
Richard Wright
Friday Harbor, WA
Korean War vet: Americans have questions about war
Dear Editor,
posted 03/21/03
I am a proud veteran of the Korean War and a 50 year member of American Legion Post #163, Friday Harbor.
Those of us who laid it on the line when our country needed us, unlike most members of the Bush administration, did so to protect the rights of all americans to protest.
Many americans have real questions about this war: most are the silent majority. I believe all protestors have a right, even a duty, to tell our government how we feel.
Roger S. Loring
Friday Harbor, Washington
Army private writes home to the San Juans
To all Islanders,
posted 03/12/03
I miss all of you and wish I could have physical access to you and home.
I am training to be a Tracked Vehicle Repairer in the U.S. Army - a very controversial career coming from the San Juans.
None of you can imagine how I ache for home. It hurts to breathe this army air when I know there is island air to be had. Don't forget the blessing you are living on and please, for my sake don't abuse it either. Protect it with whatever means are necessary so I'll have something to come home to after this little skirmish.
I love you.
Alycia Carter
mailing address:
PV2 ALYCIA CARTER
2ND PLT DS JOHNSON
APG/EA MD 21010
U.S. is a beacon of freedom
Dear Editor,
posted 03/12/03
Where have I gone wrong. I wake up in the morning, so proud that our country has the strength, determination and unselfishness to take all the risks to rid the world of a tyrant. I wake up in the morning thinking of when I was a kid seeing stars in the windows of Tacoma homes where a son, husband or daughter had lost thier life in defeating Hitler, saving France, Italy, all of Europe from a maniacal killer that the Europeans ignored for too long.
I think of the many that died and how we sacrificed to rid China, Korea, The Philippines, the South Pacific and Indo China of the ruthless, blood thirsty, barbaric, Japanese Warlords that killed millions of innocent people in their insane plunge for total power.
I wake up thinking about how just eight years ago I was in St. Petersburg Russia putting a rock and roll radio station on the air. How that truly evil empire had finally fallen before America's and Ronald Reagan's strength, determination, courage, and willingness to risk all in the quest for peace and democracy throughout the world. How he basically risked it all to finally gain basic human rights for millions in Eastern Europe, Russia and Asia, who are now our friends. But now I seem to have gone wrong.
I even believe this country has a high, inscrutable purpose on this planet that allows us to be a beacon of freedom, always willing to risk our sons, daughters, political futures, whatever, to bring the freedoms we enjoy to others in this world. Yes, sometimes by brute force because only such force brings criminals to their knees. Such dictators, such governments, such killers never just retire!
There were only 28 Democracies on this earth when we jumped into World War II and now there are over 300. Where did I go wrong?
Bosnia was in total, lethal chaos, run by a mad killer, when again, we sent our bravest and best to bring order, human rights and freedom to millions. I thought it was good! Where did I go wrong?
Now again, I sit here on the wrong side. I look at the beautiful children of Iraq, a country of brilliant, beautiful people who daily fear for their lives lest they inadvertently displease the insane despot that has ruled with a "do or die" policy for 30 years. I say to myself, "with our military might, our deep desire that Iraq enjoy the fruits of freedom like we enjoy, and with Saddam's stated hatred of the U.S. and all free nations, coupled with his stated intentions of destroying us, Lets Roll!" Where have I gone wrong?
All I can figure is that with greater maturity, greater intellectual capacity, greater compassion for some greater good, I will come to understand the error of ways of thinking. I guess I will come to understand, like the National Council Of Churches, that we shouldn't have defeated Hitler and freed Europe.
We should have let the Japanese take control and slaughter the people of Asia as they searched for genetic purity and power. I guess I will learn that we should have stayed out of Bosnia and let Milosovic kill! We should have stayed out of Afganistan and let the Taliban kill, mutilate, destroy a wonderful culture and export their brand of Islamic craziness!
What I will come to understand I guess is that we, in the meantime, should sit around a table and negotiate. We should just set a good example that will embarrass the Saddams and Kim Jung Ill of the world. We should set an example and placate the murdering criminals and to hell with the people who suffer under them.
To hell with the millions of Jews cooked by Hitler. To Hell with the millions enslaved by the Soviet Empire. And certainly to Hell with the people of Iraq.
If there is no provable link between Saddam and Al queda, and if Saddam can't reach America proper with a bomb, to Hell with them because we don't like war. Let Blix and the inspectors fool around for a few more months. Maybe, in the meantime, Saddam will attend a seminar and change his ways!
I hate war, especially if George W. Bush is the one with the courage to initiate it. Now, that's the kind of intellectual conclusions I guess I should be arriving at. Well God Damn me If I ever do!
Pat O'Day
Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11
Dear Editor,
posted 03/10/03
Let us not forget that none of the terrorists involved in 911 were Iraqis. Fifteen of the nineteen held Saudi Arabian citizenship and furthermore, it's become clear over the intervening months that the Saudis were the primary financial backers of the men who attacked the United States. Ask yourself then, why are we not bombing Saudi Arabia?
Where is Osama bin Laden? In Pakistan? Just days ago his third in command was captured there and is no doubt now being tortured in an American prison in Afghanistan. Two detainees recently died from their interrogations there. Is that bloodthirsty enough for you? Does that make you proud to be an American?
Let us not forget that the chief of Pakistan's intelligence agency was the money go-between while he was visiting the United States at the time of the attacks. He had in fact been here for consultation with the CIA for the whole week prior to the attacks. He sent $100,000 in funding to Mohammed Atta right under the noses of the his counterparts here in the U.S., the CIA. Why are we not bombing Pakistan?
Given the heavy onslaught of misdirection and propaganda fed to us by our government through a compliant media, no wonder so many of us are confused! Saddam Hussien had nothing to do with 911, absolutely nothing. Repeat, Saddam Hussien had nothing to do with 911, absolutely nothing.
Let's really support our troops by saving their lives so that they can see their children grow up.
Colleen Fowles
A letter of protest against the location of protest……
posted 03/07/03
Some 37 years ago I became a soldier (Marine). I was 17 years old and knew little about politics. I only knew that my friends were dying and my country's leaders had involved us all in an ugly, lengthy war in Vietnam.
Recently, our local anti-war faction have taken to displaying their politics at our Memorial Park at the base of Spring Street. This park was dedicated after WW I in the honor of the 19 San Juan County men who lost their lives during that "Great War". At the time of that "Great War" the 19 county boys who lost their lives comprised some 10% of the male population in the islands. In today's terms of population, that is akin to having lost some 300 - 400 young men in the county, never to return.
In WW II the call to duty came again. All but two brothers on the island of eligible age served this country. We were much more fortunate than the previous war as we only lost a couple of young men. Then came Korea and we were lucky enough once again and lost but one man.
We were even luckier in Vietnam and subsequent actions; but for some reason many more than the national average of veterans call the San Juan Islands home. Maybe that is because of the serenity and peace that abound here, besides the natural beauties of the islands. Maybe it is because warriors themselves long for peace, for they have already witnessed war.
When we veterans, and especially the mothers of veterans who have been killed in an action, erect a Memorial to their departed family and comrades, it should always be considered "Hallowed Ground". There is a special reverence that exudes from the soil beneath the monument, fertile with their own blood, which sends shivers through even the most battle worn of veterans. This special place is all we have left to remember them. This is where we come to say hello, we hope you are well in that great place beyond, and ask only that we may be honored by joining their ranks someday in that great place.
These men and women who have laid down their own lives, in the cause of global freedoms, in the fights against tyranny and oppressions that still abound in our "modern civilized world", would and did gladly lay down their own life in the cause of our Freedom of Speech and other freedoms that we now currently enjoy due to their unselfish and heroic actions. If not for them, you would not be enjoying the freedom of assembly, news and speech.
Please do at least this one small courtesy in your lives, and respect their place of worship. No soldier enjoys war or politics. We were, and always will be, merely soldiers.
I wish to add a poem written by George L. Skypeck. The poster it is written on was given to me by General William Westmoreland in 1981, some 12 years after my return from Vietnam.
SOLDIER
I was that which others did not want to be.
I went where others feared to go,
And did what others failed to do.
I asked nothing of those who gave nothing,
And reluctantly accepted the thought of
eternal lonliness…should I fail.
I have seen the face of terror;
felt the stinging cold of fear;
And enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments love.
I have cried, pained, and hoped…
But most of all, I have lived times
Others would say were best forgotten.
At least someday I will be able to say
That I was proud of what I was…a soldier.
By George L. Skypeck
Please find another suitable place to demonstrate your politics. This place is already reserved for matters of a higher calling. Our county has a number of our "sons and daughters" out there in harms way to insure your freedoms remain in place. Thank you for respecting one little spot on our soiled ground.
Peter DeLorenzi
Open letter to Maria Cantwell, US Senator
Dear Senator Cantwell:
Some time ago, you voted to give President Bush authority to take military action against Iraq. We are writing you today to ask you to reconsider your position, and even take part in action to rescind that authority. We think this is reasonable and responsible. In our opinion:
1. There is lack of credibility for the war endeavor.
We were attacked in a shocking and unforgivable manner on 9/11. However, that attack has been firmly linked to Bin Laden, a terrorist of Saudi/Afghani origin.
- After heavy attacks on Afghanistan, we left off attacking that country, and moved on to Iraq --- even though no links between the two have been confirmed, despite many arrests and interrogations.
- At first, the Bush administration seemed firmly in support of the United Nations inspectors. Now that the inspectors have not found anything, the Bush administration is anxious to move on to war anyway, on the basis of NO EVIDENCE. In fact, in a true Alice in Wonderland statement, Donald Rumsfeld is quoted in Newsweek magazine (1/27/03) as follows:
"The fact that the inspectors have not yet come up with new evidence of Iraq’s WMD program could be evidence, in and of itself, of Iraq’s noncooperation."
2. The terrorist threat is being used to reverse our long-standing trend to eliminate nuclear weapons in warfare.
- The President has prepared war plans that include the use of nuclear weapons as a part of the arsenal, greatly reducing the restraint that has been developing over decades, to avoid a nuclear confrontation.
- Early on, President Bush has called certain nations "evil." Would this not be provocation for a country to go on the defensive, or from the defensive to aggressive?
- The United States used spent nuclear (radioactive) materials in Iraq and there is every expectation that this will continue.
3. We believe that the Administration has put us, the United States, out by ourselves as the aggressors while the rest of the world looks on in consternation and fear. The decades of careful work that former administrations and statesmen have accomplished is being washed away.
Laws, treaties, agreements, organizations and shared values have gained us respect and have furthered the cause of humanity. But more important, these works have earned us respect and have bound us to other nations, which protects us better than any weapon system ever could. All this is being lost.
4. We feel that the Administration has set us up to truly receive the wrath of terrorists. As many in Europe have pointed out, we have never seen the effects of war on our own soil. If we continue to attack Islamic nations, we may see a serious backlash. There is a good model to examine in the Israeli /Palestinian situation. It doesn’t matter that the Palestinians have been defeated and have nothing compared to the Israelis. The Palestinians are desperate, and will sacrifice themselves; just as terrorists could do to us, once the Islamic nations of the world begin to look upon us as an oppressor.
5. Under the guise of protecting us from terrorism, the Administration, through the Patriot Act, is turning our country into a police state. People (even American citizens) have been arrested, put in jail with no rights of habeas corpus. How many of those hundreds have been found to have any connection to terrorists? Other rights, such as privacy, are being eroded.
6. Under the guise of national defense, President Bush has asked congress to approve, without testing, a missile defense system that many respected experts (for example, the Union of Concerned Scientists) have said will never work, and indeed has never functioned well under testing.
If this is not bad enough, our insistence on a star wars defense system is probably seen, by nations such as China and Russia, as a method of developing first strike nuclear capabilities, thus stimulating development of nuclear arms capability around the world. This is tragic to behold, after all the work that has been done to attain SALT and other non-nuclear agreements.
In summary, we feel that events are running contrary to American principles and values. We see our President looking everywhere for demons that we are not at all sure exist, but his behavior is putting us all at great risk, both in the immediate future, and perhaps for generations. We see decades of good work, by this and many nations, being destroyed.
We do not understand why Congress has closed its eyes to these dangers and given this President unprecedented powers (not given to him by the constitution). Please consider changing your stance toward this issue and help avoid this unnecessary war.
Michael Kaill and Sandra Harold
Peaceful protest in Eastsound March 5
Dear Editor,
posted 03/07/03
On Wednesday, March 5 a group of 25 to 30 islanders braved the chill in Eastsound Square in solidarity with thousands of people across the US in a National Moratorium to stop the war on Iraq. Not In Our Name, a national peace group called for, "No Work, No Schools, No Business As Usual".
The protesters held anti-war signs and had lively conversations about the proposed war on Iraq and the gutting of our Bill of Rights and our Consitution. People in passing cars waved, beeped horns in support and gave the peace sign. A very few people seemed to be angry with us for protesting the war.
A core group stayed from noon to 2 p.m., others stood with us for shorter periods. About six Orcas High School students stood with us for a while. We wish to thank all who participated for peace!
Spirit Eagle
Concerned about loss of rights
Dear Editor,
posted 02/28/03
I recently took a look at parts of the Homeland Security Act. It is extremely alarming in how many rights we are losing with its enactment. On top of the many humanitarian reasons we should not escilate our war with Iraq, we should not let it distract us from the fact our current administration is swiping civil rights under the rug of terrism fear.
We have a clear case of "divide and conquer". Our own government is trying to make us suspicious of each other and people of other nations in order to maintain control. The military industrial complex is continually applying for jobs.
I am for peace, and self defense: I do not feel threatened by people of Iraq. I have no business sending troops there. If they show up to conquer us, then, hand me a rifle. Let us ask ourselves what the current administration's hidden agenda is. Where are the weapons of mass destruction inspectors in our own country? Perhaps trying to put a magnifying glass on a trident submarine as it passes the San Juans.
Praying for the healthy birth of the seventh generation,
Ann-Gwen Orleman
Reluctantly condoning war
Dear Editor,
posted 02/27/03
Earlier this week, a friend asked me if I wanted a "No Iraq War" sign for my yard. I said "No." and thanked her for asking. Then I stopped to ask myself what that decision means. I’m certainly not Pro War. Who in their right mind would favor one of human kinds most destructive endeavors! At the same time, I recognize that Saddam’s government represents something that I don’t want to give even a hint of support too. He has killed and tortured tens of thousands not out of defense or even misplaced religious idealism. Instead, he is just a thug, a common street criminal who unfortunately came to power in a country loaded with raw materials and money. He has the potential to do far more damage than many other equally bad leaders.
For those reasons, I am willing to keep the pressure on him and willing to reluctantly condone war as the ultimate act of pressure if he doesn’t change his ways. Do I think he is an immediate threat to the USA and world peace? Yes, I guess I do. He pays families of suicide bombers in Israel and by doing so, encourages more children to kill other children. If he develops atomic weapons, and he’s been working on this for years, the first will probably stay in Iraq but the second will detonate in Tel Aviv and the third in DC or New York. Unlike all other animals, humans try to predict the future. To simply wait and then react in this case would not only be criminal but also a denial of our birthright in using foresight.
My antiwar friends are fond of talking about the worst-case scenario regarding the cost of an Iraq war in lives and dollars. I ask them to consider the worst-case scenario that could result from appeasement and inaction on our part. We are in a unique time where as a country we have tremendous power to do both good and evil acts. In this case, I believe that not acting would lead to greater evil so I will support the President’s course to date with the belief that many careful and thoughtful people have are acting in good faith in our country’s best interests.
At the same time, I will not turn away from my friends who feel differently than I do because that ability to disagree on these crucial issues is at the core of what makes this a great country and this a good community to live in. As I talk to adults and young people, I am amazed at the engagement on this issue. The thoughtfulness of the opinions. We will be known by how we behave in difficult times and what I see is very encouraging. Thank you for listening.
Greg Hertel
We are being lied to
Dear Editor,
posted 02/23/02
I am finding it increasingly alarming that so many of my fellow citizens feel that going to war with (demolishing) Iraq, is a sound move. I have come to the conclusion that it must be denial (or ignorance) of the information and evidence available to us all. There are many sources of documented information available regarding corporate involvement, sponsorship of, and manipulation of government actions.
Included would be the administration's ties to, and indebtedness to, groups and corporations who will gain economically from this war, along with evidence of the administration's deception and manipulation of the people to create fear and loathing of non Americans. Granted Iraq's leadership is an issue, but there is more here than meets the eye. That said, I do understand the ignorance of a few, but denial of governmental wrongdoing by so many that have read, heard, and know these facts exist, saddens me.
There is a very long stretch of black marble sections in Washington D.C. with the names of over fifty thousand young people, mostly young men, who gave their lives before they had really begun. It is heart breaking to see. I know names on that wall. I believe their administration deceived them, and used them. It manipulated the people of this country into such a state of fear and loathing of Communism, that they agreed to the deployment and loss of these young people (most against their will).
Most of us who were lucky enough to end up not listed on that wall have children now. Are we sure we are ready to create another memorial (with our children's names on it)? I pray not!
I won't live in denial, and I hope to God the citizens who are, snap out of it in time. Is it unpatriotic to question and investigate your government's actions and motives? I think not. Is it unpatriotic to live in denial of their wrongdoing? Absolutely!
We are being lied to, SNAP OUT OF IT!
Scott A. Benedict
Friday Harbor
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