This is in response to a letter by Richard Fochtmann (Nov. 2). Mr. Fochtmann states he’s a veteran, but thinks ‘Support Our Troops’ ribbons displayed on cars are “quite sick.” He apparently thinks the only way to support the troops is to simply bring them home. He also wrote: “All those ribbons are just another form of capitalism – profiteering off of the war. Think Halliburton.”

The fact so many people do display the ‘Support Our Troops’ magnets on cars makes me wonder why Mr. Fochtmann doesn’t realize the true reason people do that. I believe the main reason for this display is the obvious pride the displayers of the magnets have for their family members and friends in uniform. Today’s soldiers are bravely serving in a very changed and dangerous world. They deserve to be honored.

I am a proud mother of an Army Reserve soldier who spent a year in Iraq. He knows the risks of being in the military in this day and age. With that knowledge, my son has recently re-enlisted and I couldn’t be more proud of him. He is a brave and honorable person.

On that note, I fully intend to go out and buy some new and extra ‘Support Our Troops’ magnets for my car. The ones I currently have are fading anyway.

I thank Mr. Fochtmann for reminding me I need to continue to show pride in my son and all of the soldiers in the U.S. military.

Deidre Waisanen, Durham