Don't besmirch our fallen heroes in Iraq

As a veteran who has served his country honorably and faithfully, I submit this on behalf of my military comrades.

I can no longer sit idly by and watch as "armchair warriors" besmirch the memory of our fallen American heroes in Iraq. Seemingly to elicit a negative response from the American public.

I have no doubt about America's loyalty to its servicemen and women. However, when the media continually reiterates our troop losses, I feel it is an insult to their sacrifice. The amount of casualties is seemingly never used to honor them but is instead used to point out our "grave losses" in what has been dubbed an "unjust war." Every one of these men and women had the choice by right of conscientious objection to refuse military service.

So I will ask you, as one who has defended our freedoms and civil liberties, please do not continue to drag the memory of our fallen American heroes through the mud of contentious indignation.

Chris Knitter

Veteran U.S. Army

Honor Guard

Wheaton