Dear editor,

I recently submitted a letter on how much I love being here and how great

the people are. That fact hasn’t changed, I still love it here.

It has been brought to my attention that Selma has a yearly Memorial Day

celebration at Bloch Park.

I wasn’t aware of this, and I apologize to the

veterans for my absence.

Being a veteran myself, it’s important to me to attend these functions.

Attending these functions shows respect to the fallen and living veterans.

There is no greater sacrifice than to give your life for your country.

This is why it is so important to attend these functions to show respect and thank the veterans for their service.

Apparently, there are some individuals who do not share those feelings.

It is my understanding that a local religious foundation held some

festivities at the stadium while the ceremony was being held.

It is also my understanding that it was very disruptive to the people in attendance.

This shows a clear disrespect for our veterans. The very thought of this

sickens me.

I am ashamed of anyone that would disrupt such a function.

I do understand that in this country we have the right to demonstrate,

protest, and congregate.

I am not disputing these rights.

I am simply

stating that it takes a very selfish individual to do such a thing.

Our veterans allow us to have the things that we do and enjoy the freedoms of this country.

Every time that parents look out the windows of their homes and see children playing in the yard with no worries, it’s because of the brave men and women of our armed forces.

People of Selma, I ask you this last thing.

Look at the group that caused

this disruption and ask yourself why.

Why would this group that pretends to represent freedom show such disrespect?

As for my answer, self-centered with no other purpose in life but to cause disruption, divide and conquer.

Thanks for your time, and I look forward to seeing all of you in town!

Matt Barnes