In a recent commentary (Op-Ed, March 31) Neil Creighton advocated the return to the Philippines of the “Balangiga Bells” from a military base in the United States where they have resided since the Spanish War era. It cited many good reasons including furthering relations with one of our staunch allies. It was a very eloquent and moving column. But dead wrong!
True, these bells can be considered a symbol of the dedication and sacrifices that American fighting men made some 100 years ago in that era’s “Vietnam War.” But they are far more than that. They are part of our country.
To give them back, we risk opening the floodgates of appeasement to a wave of demands for givebacks, reparations and compensation from a never-ending stream of historical revisionists. Why not give back California to the Mexicans, the original 13 states to Great Britain, and so forth? I am sure very good and eloquent cases could be made for all of this.
The fact is that this country is becoming very badly divided; we don’t need to look to the past for things to divide us. We must look to the future for things to unite us.
On behalf of the many dedicated men and women who have served our country, are serving our country and will serve our country, let’s leave our war memorials alone.
