To the editor:

John Quincy Adams once said, “You will never know what it cost my generation to preserve your freedom.  I hope you make good use of it.”

Mr. Sousa’s history lesson in response to the hysteria manufactured toward his Battlefield Cross display at the Tiverton Financial Town Referendum is entirely accurate.

“There were many complaints.”  Shame on them.  The image of the Battlefield Cross should be familiar to and honored by every person.  That display should have caused in all who saw it a moment of pause, reflection, respect, and gratitude.

What is actually “ridiculous” is the accusation of “voter intimidation.”  It should have been considered a timely reminder to every voter passing by that millions of men and women throughout American history have made great sacrifices, including death, to secure for us the liberty to go to the polls and cast our votes on that day.  And he placed it “so everyone going in to vote could see it,” and just in time for Memorial Day, as well.  How appropriate!

Beth Chenier

Tiverton