The veterans in our community were told loud and clear that the memorial to them and to others who have died for our country is not a priority (April 21, PDN, “Port Angeles panel ‘on the fence about the fence’ at Veterans Memorial Park”).
They would rather see the Veteran’s Memorial Park destroyed than to protect it.
The members of the Parks, Recreation & Beautification Commission failed to step up and protect this sacred space.
A public space that the public can no longer use.
The commission failed to focus on their mission and responsibility and got sidetracked by an issue that they can do nothing about or have no control over — homelessness, drug addiction and mental illness.
They are tasked with protecting the assets of this city and they failed.
Many concerned citizens of Port Angeles were willing to donate their own money to build a fence around the bell at the park, like they did for the Dream Park.
Not a fence for the entire park — just around the bell to protect it.
The park itself would still be accessible.
Better to raise $17,000 to build a fence than $70,000 to replace the bell once it has been destroyed — and it will eventually be destroyed.
Public property should be available to all of those who want to use it.
I am asking the commission — why are you not protecting the memorial that honors those who have died for you?
For us all.
Becky McGinty,
Port Angeles