Immigrants Who Gave Their Lives for the U.S.

“Radical Turn for a Rebel” (May 28) was beautifully and sensitively written. As a veteran of 10 years of military service, I can appreciate Lance Cpl. Jesus Gonzalez’s motivation to serve and protect our nation. His mother, while sad, should be extremely proud because her son really did “do something important.” America was built by people who came from elsewhere, like Gonzalez, and remains strong by virtue of these very same people. Tyrants of the world will always fear and be stopped by America’s devoted sons and daughters from all walks of life.

Gonzalez leaves an admirable heritage of which his mother, wife and daughter can be proud. America has been blessed by his contribution and he, along with the others who gave their most, will never be forgotten.

Marshall Kline

Los Angeles

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Please extend my thanks to the writers for the four articles on the “Green Card” Marines killed in Iraq (May 25-28). These narratives were moving yet down-to-earth portraits of young men seeking a life of dignity, peace and security in their adopted country. You have given a human, brave and real face to the 37,000 immigrants who serve our country in the military today. I hope that such reporting will quell the xenophobic response of many American citizens.

Catherine Minhoto

Los Angeles

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“Death of a Dream” (May 25), your well-reported, tragic story of Lance Cpl. Jose Gutierrez, omits one major item: the CIA overthrow of Guatemala’s president in 1954. My generation was not even aware of U.S. foreign policy in Central America. Perhaps an evil foreign policy ruined a country and the family of Gutierrez.

Mary Ann Flanagan

San Dimas