Graduation Prayers

Contrary to the opinion of Douglas Mirell, president of the American Jewish Congress (Commentary, Platform, May 27) that prayer at graduation is offensive because it’s forbidden during the rest of the year, prayer creates unity, not “divisive influences.” We have only to look at the need for prayer, even in public schools, when our relatives and loved ones were involved in the Gulf crisis. My daughter just graduated from college. I thank God, her, her teachers, the staff, the administration and her friends that she contributed to this society and it has contributed to her. Is that offensive? With all the joy and celebration, God was there, invited or not. Who are we to believe we are strong enough to achieve everything on our own except when in dire need? That ungrateful situation is the real hypocrisy.

DOROTHY CARUSO

El Segundo