This is a blatant attempt at military recruitment in Florida at a high school football game. I think my Democratic senator should step aside.
I read this while I was eating my breakfast this morning, and I just could not finish. It literally knotted my stomach that this is actually being lauded in a local paper by the political editor. Also, my Democratic congressman is the featured speaker, Senator Bill Nelson. They are going so far as to swear in the latest group of recruits.
It is being presented in the article so casually, almost as a good and natural thing. There has been no time to hear reaction to this, but I hope there most certainly is one. This does not have to be going on at a high school football game. I hope there is reaction to it. The article has a sense of presumption that everyone will be impressed by this. Frankly I hope others not from this area will react. This may be going on everywhere for all I know. It does not make it right.
Salute to Freedom by Special Operations at high school football game
The pregame ceremonies will begin at 6:45 p.m. with a parachute jump by a United States Special Operations Command jump team based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. The game will start at 7:30 p.m.
Not only is Bill Nelson speaking and giving this type of thing an endorsement, but the Polk County school superintendent and the Polk County sheriff are part of the ceremony as well.
Ceremonies also will include the swearing-in of George Jenkins and Lakeland High students who are entering the military’s delayed entrance program. These students have committed to serve in branches of the military following graduation.
Fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance and to arrive early.
Vehicles, equipment, aircraft and vessels used by law enforcement, public safety agencies and branches of the armed forces will be available for public viewing on the campus beginning at 3 p.m.
Among the displays will be a Harrier jet fighter, armored tank, helicopter, Humvee, airboat, firefighting vehicle and a Coast Guard boat.
For more information call Diane Werrick, George Jenkins High director of student activities and athletics at 863-648-3566, ext. 2870.
Bill Rufty can be reached at bill.rufty@theledger.com or 863802-7523.