As a former children’s librarian, I am appalled and offended by the total lack of sensitivity on the part of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. His recent use of a beloved picture book character, Franklin the Turtle, to illustrate his war mongering is an insult to both the field of children’s literature and to the children who benefit from it.

I have fond memories of children in the library who couldn’t wait for the next book in the series to be published. Franklin was beloved for his ability to deal with issues that most young children encountered in their everyday lives. He was not someone who peddled in wars and unnecessarily killed people. The word violence was not in his vocabulary.

Secretary Hegseth owes Franklin fans an apology for his denigration of a beloved and innocent character who promotes courage and empathy in order to promulgate his war mongering. I expect his apology to be forthcoming and sincere. There should be nothing less.

Kathie Harper
Cumberland