After reading Commander Robert Macdonald’s letter, “A shameful display” (Nov. 25), I believe it is Macdonald who brings shame, embarrassment and disrespect to the VFW organization, his post and Maine veterans.

Macdonald shames any veteran who did not attend the musical tribute on Veterans Day at the Lewiston Armory, and proceeds to tell veterans that help is available but “it’s the veteran’s responsibility to find out where he or she can obtain it.”

It is claimed that Roman emperor Nero played his fiddle and ignored his burning empire; Macdonald chooses to listen to music while many veterans are searching for assistance. In case he has forgotten, Macdonald represents a veterans organization, and on the VFW web page it states: “No one does more for Veterans.” His message, however, appears to be just the opposite.

Macdonald should realize that there are many veterans who have no idea who to turn to for assistance or what benefits they have coming to them and their families, such as education, vocational rehabilitation, employment assistance, housing, medical and compensation.

Macdonald should be taking a proactive stance by conducting formal and informal workshops for veterans and their families to provide the tools necessary to obtain assistance so that no veteran goes without help.

Joseph Nugent, Oxford