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MEMORIAL: Soldiers don't get miles-long processions

I salute all our police and fireman. I have several of both in my family. I am also the wife of an active duty soldier who has served in Iraq. Unfortunately, I have been to several funerals and memorials for our fallen heroes in Iraq. Our soldiers are remembered in a beautifully solemn and heartfelt ceremony. We do not need to line up for miles and miles to make any points or show our support and solidarity.

KELLYANNE GORMLEY; Yelm
Published: Nov. 13, 2009 at 12:05 a.m. PST — Updated: Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. PST
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I salute all our police and fireman. I have several of both in my family. I am also the wife of an active duty soldier who has served in Iraq. Unfortunately, I have been to several funerals and memorials for our fallen heroes in Iraq. Our soldiers are remembered in a beautifully solemn and heartfelt ceremony. We do not need to line up for miles and miles to make any points or show our support and solidarity.

I have to agree with the editorial (11-12) regarding the procession and enormous memorial for one police officer. Why is it that for one police officer, thousands of people and cars are assembled together? This is something that goes on all the time, when a police officer or fireman is killed. It is a smack in the face to the thousands of our soldiers and their families who give the ultimate sacrifice in protection of our country. Why the huge disparity?

We know you are in danger, and you accept that danger when you take your oath as a police officer or firefighter. It is part of the job and goes with the uniform. Just as we know the danger when our soldiers take their oath and put on their uniform.

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