Early this morning while waiting for the bus, a pickup truck approached the curb loaded with big American flags. A grey haired man stepped out of the passenger side, checked a small deliberate hole made in the sidewalk and stood a flag in it to wave in a powerful wind.

It is Veterans Day, a day when we recognize and honor those who fought for America and all it represents. We recognize those who gave selflessly to protect our people, our rights and our lands.

I understand that many people in Oak Harbor were disappointed by the outcome of the presidential election. McCain served his country as a soldier and a senator for most of his adult life. I’m sure many in the military would sympathize with him as he lost the election. I was particularly touched with his gracious concession speech. But there is no question that Obama won, by a huge margin, with twice as many electoral votes as McCain. Obama inspired people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the democratic process as they never have before and they responded enthusiastically. He is a leader that will bring the various factions together and inspires us to do the same.

I was deeply disturbed to read the report of someone burning down an Obama sign on election night at the corner of Arnold Road and Highway 20. Disappointment in the results of the election does not give anyone the right to trespass and destroy someone else’s property. In my opinion, burning the Obama sign is a slap to the face of the democratic process, an election, fairly run and an outcome that expresses the choice of the majority of American citizens.

Now on Veterans Day, after such a historical presidential election, we should be proud that we took part in the democratic process that our veterans have fought to defend. We should look to McCain as an example of how to be gracious in defeat, and to Obama to offer a hand of bipartisan cooperation, so we can move ahead together as Americans.

Mary Baker

Anacortes