Honor Guards

I was dismayed to read (“Keeping a Promise to Fallen Comrades,” May 25) about the need for old veterans to fill in the void left when the United States reneged on its policy to furnish honor guards to any veteran who died.

How strange for a country that prides itself on its honor to retreat from a pledge to its veterans, when it is willing to spend $35 million to try to bring down its president.

Thirty-five million would buy a lot of honor guards even in today’s economy, with a military budget of $300 billion.

ALBERT L. BIEN

Anaheim

*

I read with much interest the story of volunteers taking up the task of military honor guards, no longer provided by our military services, for veterans who have passed on. As a 73-year-old Navy veteran of World War II, I applaud the efforts of my former comrades in arms and will take all necessary steps to join their ranks.

RICHARD BROUSE

Upland

*

The failure of the United States to ensure that an American flag is presented to the next of kin at the funeral of every veteran is a final callous act of neglect toward those who most deserve the recognition and praise of a grateful nation.

BOB KRONE

Colonel, USAF (Ret.)

San Bernardino

*

As a World War II veteran, I am appalled at the attitude of those who demean Memorial Day. On this holiday, I heard incredibly humiliating remarks from radio talk show hosts. Here are some of the comments:

“Memorial Day is just Veteran’s Day six months early.”

“Nobody cares anymore. The old geezers are dying off.”

“It’s a special day because of all the sales.”

“I thought about the war dead less than a minute today.”

“Nobody cares anymore. One city canceled Memorial Day.”

Those warriors are the ones who never had a chance to become old geezers. They are the ones who died so some people can go shopping on Memorial Day.

And, I find it ironic that millions crossed the oceans to fight for our right to vote, while today many cannot find time to travel a few blocks to vote.

WILLIAM F. SMITHANA

Buena Park

*

One of the most painful experiences of fighting overseas in WWII was the betrayal by wives and girlfriends at home. I had personal experience with two men who committed suicide because it happened to them. To describe Tokyo Rose’s taunting of Americans--tortured by the fear it was happening to them--as a “break in the boredom of war” for “war-weary soldiers and sailors” that may have “strengthened morale” is sick (“The Painful Ordeal of ‘Tokyo Rose,’ ” May 24).

A weekend dedicated to the memory of those who died for our country is hardly the time to apologize for a woman who broadcast for a vicious enemy. It is just one more example of the self-hate that has poisoned this nation.

Are there no enemies of the United States who cannot be excused?

CHARLES WILEY

Corona