As a retired first sergeant from the Army, I wish to thank you for the articles about needy veterans you have published in the last couple of editions.  I am not a needy veteran; but as a Vietnam veteran, I totally understand why some become so. Your efforts to see that the funding for these programs continue are to be commended.

There have been quite a number of parades in the western half of our state within the last couple of months (including Renton River Days).  Immediately behind the lead American flag, I have been privileged and honored to carry one of the banners of our fallen soldiers/Marines/sailors/airmen from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan provided by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in quite a number of these parades, with the intent of reminding the American public that we are still at war and that freedom is not now, nor has it ever been, free.  Thanks go to the organizers of these parades for their continued dedication to patriotism by allowing the veterans organizations such as the VFW to lead the events with the American flag.

Having said this, it is somewhat disturbing to our organization to witness almost a total lack of respect shown by those onlookers who, when our Nation’s Flag and those who have fallen fighting under it’s colors approaches, do not rise out of their seats, do not remove their hats, do not hold their hands over their hearts, and who continue their conversations with each other both face-to-face and on their cell phones.  To those who do show respect and honor to our flag and fallen, we offer our sincere appreciation for their allegiance and hope that others will follow suit in the future.

Judy Leu

Renton