We're Still Proud of Pappy

This distinguished graduate of the University of Washington went on to help win World War II.

This distinguished graduate of the University of Washington served in the Flying Tigers, and later commanded a squadron of Marine fliers known as the "Black Sheep." He shot down 26 confirmed enemy aircraft in his defense of freedom.

This distinguished graduate of the University of Washington was shot down and served 20 excruciating months of torture and deprivation in a Japanese POW camp.

This distinguished graduate of the University of Washington - Gregory "Pappy" Boyington - is no longer the type of person the students at the university want to acknowledge as representative of the right stuff. They have turned down plans to create a memorial for the flier, who died in January 1988.

One student senator said she did not believe that "a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce."

Another: "Many monuments at UW already commemorate rich white men."

Still yet another:

Senate member Karl Smith amended the resolution to eliminate a clause that said Boyington "was credited with destroying 26 enemy aircraft, tying the record for most aircraft destroyed by a pilot in American Uniform," for which he was awarded the Navy Cross. Smith, according to the minutes, said "the resolution should commend Colonel Boyington's service, not his killing of others."

This is beyond pathetic. It is embarrassing. One fears for the future of the nation in light of the display of such historic ignorance. Had it not been for the Pappy Boyington's of America, the youth of another age, these well-fed, self-indulgent, post-modernist dweebs would not be enjoying the freedom to disrespect the memory of a true hero.

Let us pray that we never have to rely on their courage in our defense.