Mr. Whitey Harwood, as the wife of a retired U.S. Navy captain who spent almost 30 years in, I respect the fact that these are your opinions (“No need to thank me for my service, Sunday). But I’m so glad the majority of Americans feel differently, and I take umbrage with much of what you’ve said.

My grandfather, who came here from Wolverhampton, England, as a young man, immediately joined the U.S. Army in World War I. He never rose higher than a sergeant, but his only son, and my uncle, is a full-bird colonel, a flyer who was badly injured when leading his squadron on a bombing mission over Germany in World War II. My father and six uncles were all WWII vets; my son, three nephews and several cousins have served as well.

None of them were drafted; they joined when the need became obvious.

In my opinion, you have disparaged a huge number of people who, since 1776, have defended this country so that you have the right to fight against smoking in the park, etc., and to freely voice your opinions in a public forum without government reprisal. You have the right to go to the church of your choice, or not; to travel freely, live where you want, and show your support or nonsupport for political candidates at the polls. Most of us know this and are more than grateful for our military members and their many sacrifices.

I do thank you for your service … and God bless America.

— Kathryn Dews

Salisbury