To the editor:

We have a beautiful memorial in the Bainbridge High School Commons dedicated to soldiers who have given their lives so that we on Bainbridge Island can live free. I believe the returning veterans from World War II wanted to remember their classmates who did not return, so they build the first memorial, a wooden stadium which was later reconstructed in concrete.

In conjunction with this, a new memorial (with statue and plaque) was constructed in the commons area on the BHS campus; our students pass this quiet spot every day.

On Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, and sometimes Thanksgiving Day, some citizens leave bouquets to honor these soldier heroes, which is very appropriate — and the least we can do. Our students at Bainbridge High honor these remembrances; never have I seen a single flower disturbed.

What disturbs me is that I have never seen a tribute, ceremony, flowers or wreath placed at the memorial by the city of Bainbridge Island, our government and the representative of us all. It is high time for our city to fall in line with other communities that make a visible public effort to give respect to our current military and especially those who have paid the ultimate price defending our freedom.

It is not sufficient to say, “Well the VFW and the American Legion can take care of this.” Money is not the issue. A short ceremony on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Veterans Day and perhaps 9/11 would cost nothing more than a few sincere minutes, and a wreath or flower arrangement won’t bankrupt the City budget.

SUZANNE GARCIA HUNTER

Bainbridge Island