Memorial Day is not the time for politics

To the editor:

I attended the Memorial Day service at Riverfront Park on May 25. I left feeling disturbed and disgusted that Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck took the opportunity to politicize the event.

Rather than honor veterans who have lost their lives, which serves as the meaning of the day, he chose to speak about the loss of freedoms under Gov. Steve Bullock during the pandemic. It was a highly politicized speech and quite inappropriate for the day.

Organizers would be better served to find a speaker who can honor the veterans we have lost as Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short did (thank you, Sheriff Short).

And for Peck to thank the audience for “not following the rules” by not social distancing and eschewing masks (but he does believe in hand washing) was not only disrespectful to those of us who value our health, but irresponsible as well.

His comments were directed at one political party. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m fairly certain that Democrats have served and died for our country, too. We’re all Americans, right?

I wouldn’t think this should be a day reserved for Republican’s complaints. Bash the governor all you want, but don’t do it at a Memorial Day service.

Maggie Craig

Libby