I have seen a picture of dignitaries at the Sept. 11 ceremony. They were Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Mayors Mike Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani.
There was also U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), former Gov. George Pataki and state Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx) and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan).
It showed the group all placing their hands across their hearts during the “The Star-Spangled Banner,” except Mark-Viverito, who had her hands locked together in front of her.
What was that about? Did she not have respect for our country and all those who died and who gave their last measure of devotion to the nation? It was also reported that before she ran for speaker she would not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance at ceremonies.
I am appalled that someone of Mark-Viverito’s status as an elected official showed such disrespect and lack of patriotism at that most solemn and sacred anniversary of those who died Sept. 11.
This act I find most sad. I have served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era and was proud to do so.
I hope all who read this letter would write to Mark-Viverito and tell her that her actions are not acceptable and she needs to apologize to the city and all who lost loved ones on that infamous day.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
