Don't squabble over memorial, build it

Dear Mayor and members of the Gurnee Village Board: It has come to my attention and to an increasing number of other veterans around the country about the effort to build a memorial in Gurnee to the fallen heroes who gave their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Your perceived conduct in this matter appears to be positioning the political leadership of Gurnee in the shameful category.

This does not appear to be a financial issue. Rather it appears to be an issue of whether your community will appropriately honor brave young men who paid the ultimate price in carrying out their duty to their country.

There should be no controversy about this.

I urge you to do what is right and take whatever steps are required to honor these men just as America has always honored its dead who sacrificed themselves on our behalf.

It's the least the beneficiaries of their heroism can do. That's the hallmark of a great country.

Don't let the families of these men down, or for that matter, the rest of us who deeply appreciate what it takes to maintain America's greatness and ultimately, peace in the world.

Frank Hawkins

Tavernier, Fla.