Here we go again. Once again we are expected to tolerate a self-serving group of bigots who are claiming to be acting in the name of God.

I am so used to that kind of prejudice that I seem to take it in stride, until the last straw is placed. But now, the last straw has been placed.

Just as Jesus Christ gave himself as the ultimate sacrifice for all of humanity, Sgt. Corey Dan gave the ultimate sacrifice that he could give for his country. Because of his sacrifice, and the sacrifices of over 2,000 more soldiers, I am free, my family is free, and this nation is free.

The thought that any group would even consider protesting at the funeral of a fallen hero shows not devotion to God and righteousness, but ignorance and self-centeredness.

To the family of Sgt. Dan, I can only say that I am so sorry for their loss. To Sgt. Dan, I can only say a truly heartfelt thank you. And, to all of us who mourn the loss of a true hero, we need to remember the words that Jesus said on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Angelo Giberti, Lewiston