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True heroes' deaths sadly overshadowed

Your Voice

Letters to the Editor

Published: July 10, 2009

I got this in an e-mail from a fellow veteran, and it says it all. Why will the major TV networks carry a three-hour memorial service without commercial interruptions and then many hours of other programs and news coverage today for someone who never served his country or put his life on the line and gave his all.

I am outraged. Why can we not get the same coverage and respect for our service members and veterans who have given us the freedom to be able to enjoy and do the things we do each day. I am a Vietnam veteran who knows what it is like to put your life on the line and wonder if you will every live to see America or your family again, and when you do come home no welcome home or thank you until many years later.

Take time to reflect on this. I saw where one of our members of Congress saluted him (Michael Jackson) today. We need to be saluting our real heroes today and every day.

What has happened to us in this country? God help us.

This is the e-mail:

While the focus today, tomorrow and for the next God-knows-how-many-days will be the death of a pop culture icon; while many will mourn, wail and quite literally make fools of themselves over it and while as many will speak endlessly about it, allow me to remind us all that others have died this month — others whose lives were cut short; others who leave behind loved ones and whose families will dearly miss them; families who'll suffer with much more dignity and honor than we'll be exposed to on the tube in the coming days.

Yes, it's true. We've suffered a great loss. But forgive me when I tell you that I'm not talking about the King of Pop

These American military members died in Iraq this month:

Sgt.. Justin J. Duffy
Spec. Christopher M. Kurth
Spec. Charles D. Parrish
Lance Cpl. Robert D. Ulmer
Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo
Sgt. Joshua W. Soto
Capt. Kafele H. Sims
Spec. Chancellor A. Keesling

These members of our U.S. Armed Forces died in Afghanistan this month:

Sgt. Ricky D. Jones
Spec. Rodrigo A. Munguia Rivas
Command Master Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey J. Garber
1st Sgt. John D. Blair
Sgt. Paul G. Smith
Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton
Sgt. 1st Class Kevin A. Dupont
Spec. Jonathan C. O'Neill
Chief Warrant Officer Ricky L. Richardson Jr.
Spec. Eduardo S. Silva
Lance Cpl. Joshua R. Whittle
Maj. Rocco M. Barnes
Maj. Kevin M. Jenrette
Staff Sgt. John C. Beale
Spec . Jeffrey W. Jordan
Spec. Jarrett P. Griemel
Spec. Roberto A. Hernandez I
Sgt. Jasper K. Obakrairur
Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Hall
Pvt. 1st Class Matthew D. Ogden
Pvt. 1st Class Matthew W. Wilson

Let's remember and honor this day those whose deaths are truly impacting.
God rest them and God comfort their loved ones they've left behind.

And may God use their deaths to remind us all of the shortness of our days.

Harry Flynn
Taylorsville

Office of president carries measure of respect

I am saddened by the lack of respect shown to America. Upon returning from vacation, I was shocked to learn that, again, those enjoying an evening of baseball on July 4 were subject to boos in the crowd when sound bites of President Barack Obama were played.

I am wondering if this is the same crowd that booed during the Memorial Day game, when time was provided to show patriotism to our troops.

While some may not approve of Obama, understand that he is the elected official who was chosen to run this country, and the office he holds requires respect and prayer.

Consider this when wanting to display negativity in public. I am glad our family was not there, as I would have had to explain to my 12-year-old why folks were being less than respectful during a family outing.

Angela M. Dean
Claremont

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