I must respond to Irene Gondek’s letter, published Sept. 11, that commented on my letter published Sept. 4.

She is right about one thing – I do not have a son, daughter, nephew, brother or sister, or any other relative serving in Iraq.

On the other hand, I survived in the freezing cold and horrors of Korea, and the heat, malaria, land mines, snipers and more horrors of Vietnam. In 23 years of military service, I still cannot forget watching a dying G.I. as he cried for his mother.

Supporting “superior officers” is correct, but as an American, I also have the right to question them. That’s why I fought in two wars – to preserve that right for myself and others. That’s why I support Ms. Gondek’s right to have slogans and ribbons. All I ask is that we don’t follow blindly. We must ask questions.

I would ask Ms. Gondek to make up her own mind, and if she still thinks having a ribbon or slogan is enough, then God bless her.

Just give me that same right.

Dick Rosenberg, Lewiston