LETTERS

Letters to the Editor: East Rockaway, Lynbrook

June 25-July 1, 2015

Posted

Ship named for wrong person

To the Editor:
I was upset to learn that the Obama administration has named a new Navy warship in honor of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, while the residents of Lynbrook are trying to have a ship named after a real war hero, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick Gallagher, an Ireland-born Lynbrook resident who was killed in action in Vietnam.
In a story about Gallagher (“Hoping to launch the USS Gallagher,” June 11-17), the Herald reported that, according to the citation that went with the Navy Cross awarded to Gallagher, “Corporal Gallagher threw himself upon a deadly grenade in order to absorb the explosion and save the lives of his comrades.”
I had always thought that Navy ships are named for presidents, long-term honored statesmen or war heroes. Gabrielle Giffords is nothing more than a crime victim who had a lackluster and short political career in Congress. The Daily News reported that she was given the honor by our government because of “the characteristics she exemplified after the attack.” She was wounded in a 2011 shooting. Since when is that the criteria to have a ship named after someone?
I don’t believe Giffords deserves this honor. Corporal Gallagher is the real hero.

Steve Grogan, Lynbrook

 

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