Interference-free planning
Please, let's keep it straight.
The Mariners of Lawrence and Butler County Chapter has accepted the Butler County commissioners' proposal of a site in Diamond Park for a World War II Mariners Memorial — an amicable solution to the nine-year debate.
However, John Cyprian, Butler County veterans services director, could not resist the temptation to disparage the mariners one more time — in the Butler Eagle article regarding the mariners' acceptance of the offer.
Cyprian said, "Why didn't they take it when I offered it years ago?"
The answer to his question is quite simple:
n It was not his to give. Diamond Park belongs to the citizens of Butler County. County taxpayers pay for its upkeep. Only Cyprian would have the arrogance to offer what is not his.
n While we have accepted the commissioners' offer of a site in Diamond Park, we believe now, as we have in the past, that the proper resolution to the mariner-recognition dispute would be a plaque on the front of the existing World War II Memorial.
Cyprian has likened the service of the mariners to that of the other organizations listed on the back of the memorial, such as the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots), telephone operators, dietitians, Flying Tigers, etc.
However, of those listed on the back of the Butler World War II Memorial, only the mariners are listed on our National Memorial in Washington, D.C. The committee that designed that memorial recognized that the mariners' service to this country was equal to the other five branches of the military.
Now that Cyprian has succeeded in excluding the mariners from the front of the Butler World War II Memorial, it is time for him to step out of the equation and let the mariners and the county commissioners resolve specifics surrounding the agreement — without his interference.
Perhaps Cyprian's time would be better spent correcting the defective bricks that were intended to honor our veterans, but now exhibit disrespect for those who served Butler County and the nation so valiantly.
Walter Luikart, New Castle
Chief executive officer
Lawrence and Butler County Chapter,
Mariners of Pennsylvania
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