As a Vietnam veteran, I went to the front line in 1969 to defend our country. Fighting the war on terror in Vietnam, in Afghanistan, in Iraq or at home, it’s all the same to me – we do not give up. We don’t display the white flag of surrender.

I don’t endorse anyone breaking the law, but I have a problem with people who endorse the act of terrorism.

We were disgraced when we came back from Vietnam, and when I heard about the ones who protested and the ones who went to Canada, it made me sick. I asked myself, why can’t they support us? We’re doing the fighting so they can be free – free to do and say what they want.

“I’m saddened by these events. Let’s respect each other,” stated Arne Springorum, spokesman for Bridges of Peace. Well, I’m saddened by the way he shows his patriotism.

Yes, I’d like to see the war in Iraq end, and bring our men and women home safe and free. But if a person can’t support our troops, don’t put them down or disgrace them. They see on the news what is happening.

Don’t protest. Take that time and go to a veterans’ home or a nursing home that has a veteran living there. Play a game of cards or read a book to them, or just say how much you care, because they are the forgotten veterans who made our country free.

Charles H. Bennett, Farmington