John Kerry is a legitimate American hero. Why? Because he served his country honorably in the Vietnam War. He saved lives, was wounded and received medals and Purple Hearts for his service.

Why is John Kerry being attacked in a smear campaign by a “Swift Boat” veterans group backed with big money?

For two reasons: The big money comes from a millionaire Robert Perry, who is a friend of Karl Rove, the White House political director, and a major contributor to President Bush.

The second reason is that some veterans felt hurt, angry and unappreciated after Sen. Kerry returned from Vietnam to campaign against the war and its atrocities.

By the end of the war, there were millions of Americans who realized that the war had been a mistake, was not winnable, and we should not have had our soldiers there. Of course, we all owe our thanks and appreciation to our veterans regardless of which military conflict they were involved in. John Kerry never criticized or devalued his fellow servicemen; he was simply making the point that the war was a mistake.

These veterans should not allow themselves to be used by a partisan Republican millionaire who would do anything, including publicizing distortions and untruths, in order to discredit Sen. Kerry.

On Aug. 26, the media reports that President Bush’s chief attorney for his re-election resigned, admitting that he advised the “Swift Boat” veterans group. It seems that the corruption and collusion in this administration is limitless.

Ronald K. Melendy, Hartford