08/12/2026
The following is a letter to the editor of the Putnam County Press/Times appearing in the 08/12/26 Edition.
What is Freedom of Speech?
Dear Editor:
This letter is in response to the recent desecration of a mock copy of the Declaration of Independence that was on display at the Putnam County Courthouse.
At our VFW on July 10 in Veterans Memorial Hall, where we are neighbors to the courthouse, we held our monthly meeting. It was standard stuff that are parts these meetings – old business and new business intermixed with the pledge of Allegiance and several prayers. We noted members that were ill or in need. We paid bills, discussed veterans’ legislation, and the renovations of our building.
At the end of the meeting, the commander calls for “Good of the Order.” Typically, we can bring up anything we feel is important to the VFW or veterans.
Hands shot up. Everyone wanted to talk about the desecration.
Our commander, ignoring the raised hands, started. His daughter, who recently graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and is now serving in the Navy, was home on leave and signed the document. She will not be home again in time to sign the (replacement) document that represents and founded the principles of the nation she proudly serves.
The commander was crestfallen. The rest of us looked at each other. We all made comments, but none had the impact of his family’s loss.
Yes, it is a loss.
There were suggestions of a letter to the editor, and the commander asked me if I would write the letter.
Following that verbose introduction begs a question: what is freedom of speech? Apparently, few people know the answer and fewer people have risked their lives to protect freedom of speech.
The public was asked to sign a mockup of the Declaration of Independence in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The key word here is “honor.” It was a program set up to honor America. If you do not want to honor America’s 250th, don’t. You can ignore it or protest it, but why ruin the event for those of us who want to honor America’s 250th?
Our freedom of speech was stolen from us by a few inept individuals who feel they are more important than those who choose to honor America.
In the humble opinion of members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1374, our freedom of speech was taken away and those responsible for that should be punished.
Again, the purpose of the display was to honor America, not to disparage America – the country we, as veterans, fought for and died for.
Lest we forget…
Karl Rohde Representing VFW Post 1374
