Letter to the editor: Use of quote doesn't constitute endorsement of writer's body of work

Re: Letter from Richard Hines on June 3:

Mr. Hines, Mayesville,

We who work at The Item appreciate our readers, especially those who take great interest in our publication.

Your recent letter to The Item reflects your taking exception to the writer's relating a quote from Nietzsche to the observance of Memorial Day. From this writer's perspective, a selection of a quote from a well-known author does not constitute an endorsement of the body of work by the writer. To quote Nietzsche is not to embrace atheism any more than to cite Thomas Jefferson is to embrace slavery.

As the United States moves more deeply into the 21st century, many of our holidays continue to lose connection to their original purpose. For example, Memorial Day has been reduced in some cases to hosting a barbeque, driving to the lake or coast, or simply marking the unofficial beginning of summer. For this reason alone, if for no other, the words from Nietzsche seem particularly poignant. The mothers and fathers who have "given all," losing a child serving in our country's military, truly understand the value of victory because they have experienced the cost of loss. Furthermore, sadly many of our citizens fail to fully grasp that Americans would not have the lives they enjoy without the sacrifice of so many young lives. Therefore, these sentiments penned by Nietzsche, hate him or love him, seem relevant to the great mystery of loss, a grief that is at the heart of Memorial Day.

Your accusation that I fail to realize that some of our states still hold separate memorial holidays, especially South Carolina, gives me pause. That I did not reference Confederate Memorial Day does not indicate that I am unaware of these activities. However, I am endeavoring to bring a Military Museum to our community which honors veterans from every state, race, gender and branch of service. I have personally experienced the loss of many of my friends to the great sacrifice which led to Memorial Day. Please be aware that my reference from Nietzsche in no way negates the fact that my family and I are Christian and hold our faith dearly.

In closing, if per chance you served in the military, please forward me a photograph of yourself in military gear so that we may include it in our forthcoming Military Museum.

SAMMY WAY

Sumter Item archivist and historian