I normally do not respond to Letter’s to the Editor – everyone is entitled to voice their opinion and feedback. But I feel I need to address a misunderstanding regarding the Back the Badge event that was held on Nov. 19.

Before I begin I would like to just throw out there that I am not a Democrat nor a Republican, but registered as an Independent. I voted for Barack Obama twice and in the last election voted for Trump.

The Back the Badge event came from a desire to honor our first responders – the police, fire department, and EMT’s. We felt that an event allowing our community to come together and celebrate these amazing men and women was in order. As discussions continued we felt coloring the Fountain blue (similar to the thin blue line that commemorates fallen law enforcement officers) would be a fitting tribute.

At no time did politics come into the discussion, not even once. We contacted numerous individuals asking for them to speak – these were people from all walks of life and I never bothered to ask what their political affiliation was; that wasn’t what they were speaking about and it didn’t matter.

We had a beautiful ceremony with the police, fire department and sheriff’s office – all a part of our local response teams and those that literally “have our back” in times of need. They all gathered together to receive our appreciation and allow us to personally thank them.

In sharp contrast to this event was when Donald Trump visited our Town in March – that indeed was a political rally and what one looks like.