Once again, efforts to save Stilwell Hall are back in the news. After years of talk about saving the historic soldiers club, the Army told our KSBW news department this week that it's finally set a date to demolish the building this September.

Four years ago, our editorial board supported efforts to preserve the hall, believing that, given sufficient time, millions of dollars could be raised. Here's what we said then:

Now, it's up to the people who really want to preserve Stilwell Hall to come up with the rest of the money. But let's set a timeline to get this job done. If the private money is raised, wonderful. If not, proceed with the demolition and mark the spot with a plaque.

That was September 1999. Since then, preservationists have only raised a few thousand dollars. And just like a game of poker, you've got to know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em. To the preservationists, it's probably time to politely fold your hand and leave the table.

To those who gave of their time and money to try to save Stilwell Hall, our Editorial Board applauds your efforts, but the support just isn't there. Leon Panetta and retired General Bill Gourley in particular, put up a heroic fight. But old soldiers like Panetta and Gourley know from experience, that when faced with overwhelming force, sometimes calling for an orderly withdrawal is the most responsible command to give. In this case, Mother Nature and the lack of money have joined as allies to create that overwhelming force. It's time to let the Army do it's job by razing Stilwell Hall, before it falls into the ocean and creates new and even bigger environmental problems.