I write in response to Kathleen Case Keene “Muhammad Ali statue is being disrespectfully placed,” Jan. 18).

As a 16-year-old teenager, I met Muhammad Ali during his visit to Maine for his championship fight. He was still named Cassius Clay and had not yet made his intentions known to the world about his conversion to the Muslim religion.

Two years later, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and within a few months my ship was in service off the shores of Vietnam. I joined the Navy as a patriotic American and swore an oath to protect the rights of all Americans and the Constitution of the United States of America.

Muhammad Ali became a conscientious objector against fighting in the war. He took a stand and was stripped of his title, given a five-year prison sentence and fined. Yet, he never wavered.

I do not agree with his actions, but I respect how he stood up for what he believed and was willing to sacrifice what he had to back it up.

The Ali statue’s location does not bother me. I joined the service to protect all people’s constitutional rights. The time period is not of significance to me personally, and protecting his rights is more important.

Other veterans may disagree, and that is also their right.

Roger Belanger, Auburn

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