In his letter titled “Tribute questioned” (Voice, Aug. 18), Rev. Timothy Fiala of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Northfield states that he thinks that the late Adm. Jeremy Michael Boorda should be remembered because of his considerable accomplishments and his rise from humble beginnings. We agree. He then goes on to say that Adm. Boorda’s tragic death by suicide ought not to be held up as an example for young and old people to emulate. Does he honestly think that that is what we are doing?
Thinking that establishing a memorial to our friend will honor suicide is as ludicrous as thinking that the mass said for Adm. Boorda on July 4 at St. Patrick’s Church honored suicide. It makes no sense.
I am sorry that Rev. Fiala got this impression from the Tribune article. We were very happy with Ron Grossman’s reporting about our connection and friendship with Adm. Boorda. If anyone else is thinking like the reverend, please understand that it is our intention to pay tribute to one man’s life of service. We do not pass judgment on the way he died.
What might make some sense is to talk openly and honestly about suicide and suicidal thoughts. Perhaps then a member of our society would be better prepared, when a dark moment of despair hits, to hearken back to a voice that might say “This too shall pass” and wait for the dawn.
Mike Boorda was our friend and classmate; he touched and helped thousands in his 40 years of service to our country. We bid him farewell and only wish that he, too, could have waited for the dawn.
