To the editor:
In honor of the memory of Howard Hede of Stockholm, who passed away recently, I am writing this letter. Howard was one of the few loyal souls who could always be seen on the Presque Isle Peace Bridge on Sundays holding his sign for “PEACE” as a protest against the War in Iraq.
Howard was a good, kind, and gentle man who was sincerely devoted to the cause of peace. Howard’s dedication was totally sincere. If no one else were out on the bridge, Howard would be there, 20 below freezing winds, whatever the weather conditions, Howard would be there.
To those of you who passed by and honked your horns as a show of support, or gave a wave and a smile – thank you! To those of you who made obscene gestures, or shouted obscene insults, I would only remind you that you should never judge a book by its cover. Howard may not have looked like John Wayne. Howard may not have had the body build of John Wayne. May not have made unlimited war movies (and millions of dollars) like John Wayne. “PHONY” war movies, I might add, (the closest John Wayne ever got to a war was the back lot of a Hollywood movie studio). But that’s because unlike John Wayne, Howard Hede was a bona fide war veteran, having served in World War II in Europe as a squad leader and had been in heavy combat, being wounded-in-action and being decorated with a “Purple Heart”.
At the very beginning of this War in Iraq, Howard began writing numerous letters to editors of various newspapers. Howard’s favorite slogan was U.N. in … U.S. Out … NOW”! Meaning that Howard favored letting the United Nations play the role of “Peacekeeper” in that region instead of the United States and instead of letting the burden fall entirely on the American taxpayers. In this, Howard was right! It takes years of experience and wisdom to be “right”. Howard had both in abundance.
Howard had seen the horrors of war close up. He knew how bad war was. In that sense Howard was sincere in not wanting to see another generation of Americans put through what his generation went through in World War II, and what my generation went through in Vietnam.
To those who believe we SHOULD be the world’s policeman, (as Nazi Germany attempted to be once upon a time) I would only say that I will personally offer to escort you to the nearest military recruiter and we’ll get you all signed up and you can put your money where your mouth is.
William P. Urban
Sgt. U. S. Army
Petty Officer 2nd Class U.S. Navy
Presque Isle
