Everyone knows that the freedom our great country enjoys has come from the sacrifices of the men and women of our military, and their families. Their sacrifices have allowed us to have the freedom of speech and express our dissatisfaction, as Dale Higbee did in his Dec. 7 letter.

Certainly everyone does not always agree with the policies of our leadership. I continue to appreciate and salute all of our past, present and future military men and women who now voluntarily serve our nation for our safety and the preservation of freedom. Almost anyone who experiences the stress of war will have some level of emotional trauma.

I have always been proud to be an American and always will be. Our freedom also allows anyone to leave the United States and live elsewhere. God bless America, protect our troops and their families as they protect us.

— Mel Heilig

China Grove