Canadian Monument to Draft-Dodgers

This is bizarre and silly.

A private Canadian group has plans for constructing a monument to draft-dodgers of the Vietnam era, in British Columbia.

It's been estimated some 125,000 Americans fled to Canada during the Vietnam War to avoid the U.S. draft. About half returned to the U.S. when President Jimmy Carter granted them amnesty in 1977.

American soldiers--whether drafted or not--who went overseas and served in combat deserve our honor and respect. But what about those who evaded the draft?

Let me make one point clear: I am against any and all drafts. They violate the Constitution, and are unnecessary. That said, why do draft-dodgers deserve a monument in their honor? What actions did they take, what sacrifices did they make, to earn such a distinction? Regardless of one's view of the Vietnam War or the draft in general, I see no need for a monument in their names. It makes no sense, when one considers the typical criteria for the erection of monuments, or the placing of plaques. I could make a better case for honoring those who refused to serve in the military and chose prison, instead. At least they had the courage of their convictions to face the consequences of their rejection of the war and the draft.