Remembering the Heroes

As I read the article about Rafael Peralta (“A Hero’s Courageous Sacrifice,” Dec. 6), I was filled with overwhelming gratitude. To know that a 25-year-old Marine would sacrifice himself so willingly to save others renewed my hope in the intrinsic goodness of man.

One thing concerned me, however, which prompted this letter. His sister said, “People will forget about him, that’s when it will hurt the most.”

This may be a small offering, but I wanted to give it anyway. Tonight I will sit down with my 8- and 5-year-old daughters and tell them of Sgt. Rafael Peralta. I will tell them that he made a choice that cost his life but saved many others. I will tell them that he is a true hero, and I will make sure they don’t forget about him. We will remember what he did, we will remember his name, we will always be grateful.

Although our remembering will not bring him home, please know that there are people who count it an honor to say his name and speak of his bravery, and in this way a part of him will live on. He will not be forgotten.

Judi Chimits

Irvine

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To Icela Donald and other members of the Peralta family: You may be right -- your brother may be forgotten by most, perhaps soon.

I can only hope that someday it will provide some comfort to know that the men he saved and their families will forever remember him as a hero. And if my wife and I are fortunate to have the children and grandchildren your brother could not, know that they will read about him when it comes time to teach them what courage, sacrifice and love of country really are.

The article about him is already in our keepsake box. God bless your brother for what he did and what he stood for.

Jim Peel

Bakersfield

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We could argue for a while about the justification of the war in Iraq, and the real effect on our national security. History will draw its own conclusion sooner than later. But this story highlights what courage and sacrifice are all about, and my thoughts are going to Sgt. Rafael Peralta’s family in this holiday season.

I asked my 9-year-old son to read it, and asked him not to forget that today, somewhere far away, many soldiers are doing their best for their country, regardless of the danger they are facing.

Semper Fi.

Frederic Nouchi

Irvine

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Re “Account of Tillman’s Killing Is Challenged,” Dec. 6: My heart goes out to Pat Tillman’s family the same as it does to any family who has lost a child defending our country in this present war.

I feel strongly, however, that the constant media attention pertaining to Tillman is disrespectful to the other fine men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Just because he walked away from a lucrative football contract to serve doesn’t make him more important. The fact that a “mistake” was made and “friendly fire” was involved shouldn’t warrant a massive investigation.

War isn’t pretty! The people responsible for this “mistake” are someone else’s children who are serving their country to the best of their ability.

God bless all our troops; I think they are true heroes.

Jo-Anne Collins

Fountain Valley

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A very disturbing trend is unfolding regarding statements coming from the U.S. military about Tillman’s death. You have to wonder whether our military leaders even care that they now have a huge credibility gap.

The two most highly publicized casualties from the Iraq war have been Jessica Lynch and Pat Tillman, and it now appears as though the Army’s accounts for both of these incidents are false. According to the military, it does not torture enemy combatants at Guantanamo and the incidents at Abu Ghraib were the results of a few bad apples.

We are going to have to treat every statement issued from the military public relations offices with a healthy dose of skepticism from now on.

Jim O’Fallon

Burbank