August 29

To the Editor:

     I would like to submit this letter and direct it to the “activists” who stood outside of our home on August 24th.

     I am a member of a Gold Star family.

     My brother, Arnold Bailey was killed in action when he was 21 years old. He was a paratrooper who died in his first combat jump over the Rhein.  My Mother and I sat next to his coffin in my living room. She went on to serve as the President of the Gold Star Mothers. And although I am 81 now, I have carried his death with me every day of my life.

     No one in our home needs to be reminded of the sacrifices of war. Not my disabled daughter whom I had to take from our home today so she would not be upset by your presence. Her Father, my husband of nearly 50 years was a WWII veteran who served in the United States Navy. Not my son-in-law who honorably serves us in the United States Congress and fights each and every day for every veteran who has ever served. Not anyone on my street, many of whom are veterans or families of veterans. And certainly not anyone in South Boston, where we have done our piece in every war that has ever been fought on behalf of our country. We erected the first Vietnam Veterans memorial in the country, long before it became fashionable.

     South Boston always remembers. We need no prompting to do so.

My brother gave his life so you can stand outside our home and voice your opinion. So please forgive me that I was not there to welcome you as you set up your display of combat boots. Perhaps when you set up your next display, you can put a pair of boots out for him, PFC Arnold Bailey, in remembrance of what he sacrificed to ensure your right to speak your mind in front of our home.

     Sincerely,

     Helen Shaughnessy
     55 G Street
     South Boston, MA 02127