In Dan Manka’s Jan. 3 letter, he objected to the removal of Robert E. Lee’s artwork from West Point.
His evidence is that Lee was an outstanding Army officer who decided to defend his state rather that the United States of America.
However, Lee took an oath “I … do solemnly swear, or affirm, that I will bear true allegiance to the United States of America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whatsoever …”
Lee and all other officers from the South that joined the confederacy violated that oath.
One’s state of birth has no merit when one raises their right hand and swears or affirms their allegiance to the Unites States of America.
Anyone who takes up arms and attacks the USA is an enemy no matter what they did prior to that act of war.
This applies to Lee in the 1860s, those attacking the capitol in 2021 and today in 2023.
I am a citizen of the USA, not Pennsylvania. I proudly took a similar oath as member of the U.S. Air Force and as a Federal employee.
I believe that I am bound by that oath until my death.
Today, my granddaughter will proudly take that oath as she starts her enlistment in the U.S. Air Force and I expect her to honor that oath forever.
Source : AltoonaMirror
