Date: Thu, 13 Jun 1996 07:46:48 -0400 (EDT) From: A Jay Eddy Subject: School Flying Rainbow Flag (fwd) CONTACT:Karl Clark, President P.O. Box 1281, Ft.Lauderdale, FL 33302 (305) 782-1095 **************************************************************** "We Are One" THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF VETERANS "An Alliance for Equality of Rights" June 12, 1996 Francis Zak, Principal Mahar Regional School Orange, MA 01364 RE: Inclusion and Diversity the Ingredients Fortifying America's Unique Human Rights Dream Dear Friends: We wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you for your courage and compassion. Your belief of inclusion for all Americans by displaying the rainbow flag demonstrates your commitment to "One nation under God with liberty and justice for all." This is and was not always the case. Our native American Indians, African-Americans, Irish-Americans, Chinese-Americans, Japanese- Americans, Roman Catholics, Quakers, Jews, etc. also faced intolerance driven by fear mongers who hid behind antiquated laws and skewed beliefs. In this century it was not impossible to find "No Irish Wanted, No Jews Welcome, Colored Fountain Only" signs displayed publicly. We sadly segregated our fighting forces and persecuted non- heterosexuals fiercely in the military. To this day military "witch-hunts" are encourage destroying the young lives of fine Americans solely because of their sexual orientation. The lesson here is a simple one and is encapsulated in the beautiful and powerful words of the "Golden Rule." You are standing in the brilliant rays of light forged by those meaningful words namely, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." May you be blessed and rewarded for your commitment to and belief in "Life, Liberty, Justice and Persuit of Happines" for all. Respectfully, Karl Clark, National President American Federation of Veterans cc. Mahr Regional School Student Council Gov. William Weld Mary Dettloff Abner Mason