When my son, Cpl. Jonathan Santos was killed in Iraq on Oct. 15, 2004, my greatest fear was that his sacrifice would be forgotten - that he would just be a number in the casualties from our nation's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Less than a year later, Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen called to invite me to the unveiling of the memorial he had made to honor Jonathan and any future Whatcom County residents who would become fallen heroes.

I cried after that phone call because here was an unsolicited gesture from Kremen that assured our county would always remember the sacrifice of our service members and their families.

Since that time, there have been several occasions where I was so grateful that he cared enough about our military members, veterans and their families to not only show up, but to sincerely participate in honoring all those who have and are serving our country.

His continued leadership and dedication to public service is absolutely admirable. These enduring qualities are what we need in our community and on our County Council.

Doris Kent

Bellingham