In response to the educator from Kendall, I agree that war is never the answer and peace in the world would be a wonderful thing. But I don't agree that we should not honor and celebrate our veterans from any police action/war. Our young people sign up for the military for various reasons but war is probably never one of those reasons. They want to have a paid education, a better life for themselves and family, or any other number of reasons. I understand the writer's fustration with the grad from Ferndale, but he was probably nervous and used the wrong choice of words. No child or anyone should be hurt, but that is the reality. As my father, a deceased veteran, always said, "war is hell!" and we as a country have seen that over and over in the last few years. I thank God every day for our military past and living. If not for them we would not have the privilege or rights that we have. I still believe in teaching that peace is the way but I also still believe and respect our military/veterans and the young men and women who defend our rights and our country.

Karen Grimes

Deming