By Horace Stokes / Herald Forum
My name is Horace Stokes. I passed away nearly ten years ago but feel compelled, nonetheless, to take a moment and send you a note.
I realize this is a bit unusual; however, I believe extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. I would like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to know I was a military veteran; serving with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.
As any veteran of combat would confess, I saw things I wish I had never seen and experienced things I wish I had never experienced, but I felt as though our “mission” was just. An aggressive communist country, supported by the People’s Republic of China and the Soviet Union, had invaded a weaker one, with the goal of occupying it; a scenario that must seem painfully familiar to Mr. Zelensky.
As much as I hate war I felt as though “we,” the United States and our allies, did the right thing; standing and fighting with the people of South Korea against tyranny. And now, just 75 years later, during the span of a week, my country’s leaders seem to have embraced totalitarianism. On Feb. 24, the U.S. voted against a resolution condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine; we voted against one of the founding principles of the United Nations, that one nation must not invade another; the most shameful vote the U.S. has ever cast.
Then, four days later, President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance made it painfully obvious they no longer support Ukraine but rather Russia and Vladimir Putin as they berated and bullied Zelensky, even blaming him for Putin’s invasion of his country!
It was disgusting, embarrassing and again, shameful as they attempted to betray Ukraine and our country.
So, for perhaps the first time in my life (or afterlife) I am in agreement with those right-wing extremists who believe an apology is called for. The difference, of course, is that I believe it is Zelensky who is owed the apology. And, while I’m at it, a debt of gratitude as well, for showing us what a true leader looks like: one who possesses courage, grace, strength, humility, integrity and honesty; characteristics woefully lacking in most of our nation’s Republican leaders.
Allow me then, as I roll back over in my grave, to extend my heartfelt apologies.
The above was written by Scott Stokes of Marysville on behalf of his father, Horace Stokes.
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