In an era where preserving history and honoring those who served their country is more critical than ever, recent actions by the Department of Defense to remove profiles of decorated military heroes from its websites are not just misguided — they’re damaging. Changes within the Department of Defense under the stated goal of ending of diversity, equity and inclusion have resulted in the removal of profiles of decorated veterans from their websites.

These heroes are more than historical footnotes; they are the embodiment of sacrifice, courage and inspiration for both current service members and veterans. Erasing them from public view sends the wrong message to those who have worn the uniform and the nation they swore to protect.

West Point graduate Frank Kendall, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves and Secretary of the Air Force from 2021 to 2025, notes that eliminating any discussion of race or gender in or about the military will have three negative consequences. Kendall states that, “Conversations I have had with leaders at all levels of the military indicate this is already having a significant impact on the morale and well-being of a large fraction of the force.”

Second, the DoD’s DEI policy “is going to have a very negative effect on recruiting and retention that will deny our military the benefit of some of the most capable people in the nation.” Finally, “the changes being implemented will empower the small minority of people who do have conscious gender or racial bias to act on those views.”

Navajo code talker Ira Hayes, baseball legend and U.S. Army officer Jackie Robinson (one of the few Black officers in World War II) as well as the first women pilots (U.S. Navy) to fly combat missions in 1994, should never have been removed from DoD websites. Deleting their stories not only eradicated an important part of U.S. military history, it also deprived these individuals of the recognition they rightfully deserve. Because of objections from the public, veteran’s groups and family members some stories of Native Americans, African Americans and women in the military have been reinstated on government websites.

The same must be said for the disregard for our female war heroes who served with honor and distinction. Striking our female veterans from DoD websites is shameful and diminishes the historic impact that women service members have made in all branches of our military.

For veterans, recognition isn’t just about medals and ceremonies — it’s about sacrifice and legacy. Many have endured the hardship of service and the challenges of reintegration into civilian life. Seeing the stories of military heroes prominently displayed on official channels like the DoD’s websites affirms the value of their own sacrifices. It’s a visible sign their service is appreciate, honored and never forgotten. When their stories are purged, so are their sacrifices and contributions, as if these men and women never existed.

The impact on morale is real. Young service members look to the past to find role models who exemplify bravery, leadership and selflessness. These stories teach critical values and remind us why our military exists in the first place. For veterans, especially those struggling with post-service adjustment issues, these heroes can serve as a beacon of hope and pride. Removing them denies future generations the chance to learn from and be inspired by their example.

Transparency and education are core responsibilities of our military institutions. Sanitizing or erasing history, even under the guise of modernization or administrative shifts, risks undermining public trust. We should be expanding access to these stories, not restricting it.

Veterans deserve better. Honoring our military heroes should remain a top priority. Their stories are woven into the fabric of our nation. We owe it to them — and to ourselves — to not to let them be erased from this country’s distinguished military history.

Co-signed by local veterans: George Bryjak, Dave Staszak, Ray Bola, Andrea Dukett, Tom Jacobs, Ann Latourno, Phil Newton, Eric Olsen, William Lyon and Joe Fisher.

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Joe Fisher lives in Bloomingdale.