Dissent possible because of veterans

Regarding Cole Christy's April 15 letter “Beware human cost of military, war”:

I wish to talk with you openly generation to generation. You admonish today's youth to resist military service. Consider this: The very fact that you can express these thoughts was fought for by the patriots who went before us. It is with the blood of these saints that you write the thoughts that you do.

I invite you to visit memorials that honor these brave women and men willing to pay the last full measure for you. Go to Washington and stand in the Lincoln Memorial, look to the walls and ponder his words. See the Vietnam Memorial and nearby the Korean and World War II memorials. Cross the Potomac on the Memorial Bridge and walk to Arlington Cemetery.

Here I particularly invite you to find the grave of one honored patriot, Lt. Col. Dan E. Dulaney, my father. He served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and he and all the others interred there knew what President Kennedy meant when he said “Ask not what your country can do for you.”

Cole, I thank my creator for you and your peers in the knowledge that many of them do not share your thoughts. My suggestion: Choose our future leaders wisely. Get involved in our democracy, support and work for your candidates. Embrace our system and continue to love this sacred land. God bless you, Cole, and God bless America.

Mike Dulaney

Cedar Rapids