In response to the front page article “Ships honor heroes” (Associated Press, Oct. 26) and the “christening” ceremony at Bath Iron Works, people need to ask themselves, “What is a hero?” and, “Does Christ actually bless weapons of war?”

We are told that these “heroes” were forged in Iraq and Afghanistan. Is a hero really someone who studies violence, weapons and war and then invades a country? What did those wars achieve? How many people did American soldiers kill? How much of the environment was destroyed? How much did these wars cost and who made the money? Truthfully, why did they happen? Were those wars heroic things?

Furthermore, how can people ethically support a christening ceremony? I have not read in any sacred religious scripture, “Bless your weapons of war in Christ’s name.”

Do we honestly think that Jesus the Christ would descend from heaven and bless a warship? If that is true, why aren’t warships named “Jesus Christ”? Do people really think that divinity cares about warships? Where do these ships go? What do they do? Why?

I wish no one ever had to kill or die in war. I oppose building weapons of war and I oppose blessing them in the name of divinity. The more weapons there are, the less safe people are.

As long as war is studied and money spent on weapons, the wars will continue. Who wants that? Mainly, defense contractors, who get rich.

Michael Gibson, Lewiston

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