TREE: It's rare, but park isn't

I don’t live in Coeur d’Alene, but my friend does, and I’d love to visit and see the beauty there, including the Freedom Tree. I cannot believe the city deems it wise to remove a monument like it to build a park; build parks elsewhere! It was planted to honor a hero, wasn’t it?

If other monuments of honor, built to honor not just this man but ALL POWs and other heroes were torn down like that, what does this say about the values of a city and it’s people? To me, the Freedom Tree represents all heroes such as Mr. McMurray.

For the city to decide on their own to do this, without taking a vote, or giving the people of Coeur d’Alene a chance to voice their opinions or vote on this is so unfair to such a fine city! It is the people’s tax dollars, so listen to them and build the park around the Freedom Tree!

VIRGINIA GRIFFIN

Benbrook, Texas