SGT. MAHOLIC: Be there.
The funeral service for U.S. Army Master Sgt. Thomas D. Maholic
who died June 24 on a mission in Afghanistan is scheduled for 3
p.m. today at St. Bernard Elementary and Middle School on West
Washington Street, Bradford.
He is the first Bradford native to be killed in the most recent
combat in the Middle East.
By all accounts, he was a highly decorated soldier – his awards
are too numerous to mention.
All of our military men and women deserve respect, of course,
but one would think an officer of Sgt. Maholic’s caliber would be
entitled to the highest honors.
He gave his life – not just metaphorically but in reality – in
service to his country.
For that reason, it’s a particularly difficult pill to swallow
that a so-called “Christian” group has chosen his funeral as the
forum for a public picket for their own bizarre cause.
Fortunately, the Maholic family will be shielded from this
offensive display by a group of motorcyclists who will create a
physical barrier with people holding U.S. flags.
We would never presume to speak for the Maholic family – or any
family in their position – but we can only imagine the last thing
they would need to endure is people intent on making a mockery at
this final tribute.
How very sad. We feel a sadness, too, as a newspaper and huge
proponent of the First Amendment in all its splendor, including the
right to free expression the protesters are so capably
exploiting.
Ironic, too, because there are so many issues that are important
for a country to discuss in a time of war – any war. The supposed
issue at stake for this small group of kooks is not only irrelevant
but as hateful and as un-Christian as any we’ve ever heard.
Some have suggested The Era should not indulge the protesters by
proving their “15 minutes of fame.” Honestly, we can understand
that argument, but we believe the opposite – saying nothing – would
be worse.
If nothing else, this unpleasant scenario will provide a forum
for us – all of us – to demonstrate to the demonstrators how much
we value the sacrifices of Sgt. Maholic and his comrades on behalf
of our liberties. Yes, even the right to protest.
It’s your turn. Be there, 3 p.m., St. Bernard school on West
Washington Street.
See you there.
