This is not a black-white issue but a patriotic one. I feel it is a disgrace, a disservice and a kick in the face of the veterans and active military personnel in the Augusta area that Richmond County offices are not closed Nov. 11 in honor of the price that has been paid for the liberties we now enjoy.
I have called Interim Mayor Willie Mays' business twice for his stand on this issue. They did not know. Called his office twice. No answer as to his stand on this. Called his campaign headquarters once. Said they did not know. Would find out and let me know.
After several days, no answer. All the years he has been on the Augusta Commission, and no action and no answer after five telephone calls, one can only assume that he is not willing to take a stand.
Called Deke Copenhaver, and he responded with the answer: He was in favor of it being a holiday.
In view of these responses, it is time for veterans, active-duty personnel and families to begin to put pressure on Augusta commissioners, and vote for someone who does respect what the American service personnel have done for this country - and who wants to see a change for Augusta.
They will tell you that they can work in just so many holidays. Maybe some of the others need to be consolidated, as Presidents Day was, and make room for the veterans.
Being the son of a World War I veteran; having relatives and neighbors who gave their lives in World War II and Korea; and being a veteran of the Korean War, I feel the veterans need a day to honor the price they have paid.
It is time all the veterans organizations get behind this. Politicians, listen to numbers.
Don Matthews, Augusta
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