I was in the middle of an interview at the Blade Citizen in February, 1991 when the editor interrupted us to tell us that United States planes were bombing Bagdad. We all rushed to the news room where there were television sets. We were solemn as we watched the news of what, for all intents and purposes, was war unfolding before our eyes. As I looked around that room I saw women weeping, the ones with husbands who had been deployed and were perhaps hours from active combat.
Over the next months Oceanside came together as I had not seen it since the 1960's Cuban Missile Crisis. The downtown, long ago abandoned by most residents, was now the scene of spontaneous rallies and parades in support of the troops. My husband was not the only Viet Nam era vet that I observed with moist eyes at those rallies. Those who served in that unpopular war were pleased that Desert Storm troops were being supported even if it reminded them that there were no such rallies for them.
When Iraq surrendered the whole community joined together for "Proud To Be An American Day." Every mother's child in North County crowded our streets and various venues to hoop, holler and wave the flag as we marched every man in uniform down Hill Street. It was unabashed patriotism.
Perhaps this is to be expected from a town practically surrounded by the world's largest Marine Base. I would hazard to say that a large percentage of Oceanside's population came to Oceanside because of Camp Pendleton. Since World War II Marines and Sailors have some to Camp Pendleton and they and their families have stayed to make Oceanside their home. Our Congressman Ron Packard was a navy dentist, many of our doctors and lawyers served first at Camp Pendleton and most of our business owners have some tie to the military. But, the truth is the relationship of Oceanside and the military has not always been good. Stories abound about years when the base threatened to ban the troops from Oceanside's streets because of unscrupulous Hawkers selling to young, lonesome men with cash straight from the paymaster. And, Oceanside was quick to blame the Marines for the deterioration of the downtown and the crime that went with it.
Just recently, the Oceanside City Council refused a request by the base to dispose of its sewage through Oceanside's outfall. Though this decision was clearly a slap at Mayor Lyon ( a retired reserve Admiral) by three of his council members who are fed up with his arrogance, it clearly shows that the relationship is tenuous at best.
I recently spoke with John Cullin from Aid to Veterans of America. Working with various veteran groups, this group is planning a "Stand Down" for Oceanside vets. A Stand Down is a combination reunion, camp out and outreach where veterans can make contact with employers, social service representatives, and veteran organizations. They can get a medical referral and a haircut, new clothes and a big dose of hope. These Stand Downs are held all over the country, most recently in Balboa Park in San Diego. Cullin told me that he is receiving opposition from some downtown business owners who don't want a week end of veterans, some of whom are homeless, in downtown. And, the City of Oceanside has not given him his grant which helped to pay for the event. He is concerned. So am I.
It appears that folks like to wave the flag at parades and rallies but don't want to have to look at those whose lives were shattered by war. The veterans who answered the nation's call to war should never be considered unwelcome. And they should not have to beg politicians for money. In fact, all those who were Proud to Be An American in 1991 should think about what it means to be an American and what we owe to all the veterans. It is a debt that we can probably never repay but getting involved in giving them a hand when they need it is a good start. If there are problems with the event, join up and fix what is wrong. That is the spirit our veterans showed when they joined up to fight for freedom and it is the very least we can do.
