When our soldiers put their lives on the line on behalf of this country, they do so with an understanding that should the unthinkable become real, they will be honored and remembered.

While I believe whole-heartedly in the First Amendment, I am disheartened that someone would use that as a reason to promote hatred and bigotry during a memorial event. Why they are discussing the issue of homosexual equality at a funeral for a soldier who gave his life in Iraq is even further beyond me.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to this brave soldier. Regardless of our feelings on the Iraq war or homosexual equality, we should all have enough humanity to put aside our differences and stand up to such hatred.

Our soldier deserves better than this. They all do.

Diane Russell, Portland