My response to Dear Abby:
In reference to your response to the letter from Cleveland Mom regarding her children's desire to enter the military. Your answer may very well backfire for her. My husband was one of those veterans in the the Veteran's Hospital. He was wounded in Iraq in 2003, and like many other wounded Marines and Soldiers, has a very strong sense of honor and duty to their job, the military, and their country. These men and women exude a commitment to what they have sworn to do and the men and women they sworn to protect, and they believe in what they are doing. There is so much optimism in the midst of human pain, and a desire to go forward, and move on to the next challenge. This is what these young adults will see and may very well inspire them to go on and commit to the military. It is an honorable profession just as being a fireman, police officer, or teacher. And thanks to my Marine, we are able to live in a country where we have a choice to choose our profession, not be told. These men and women deserve the utmost respect. They are the best and the brightest. Your response offended me as I'm sure it did many people.
You, your husband, and your family have my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you have made.