Trail criticism overlooks its significance

In response to Bob Bream's criticism (June 6 letter) of the selection process for the Veterans Trail (at Coralville Lake):

When the trail was started, there were no guidelines for selection. Nominees were brought forward from the public. After four years, the public became critical. The process was taking on all the virtues of a “Good-Ole-Boy” club. A change was in order.

Guidelines had to be established. Many memorials in our area honor all those who have served and are serving. None recognized those who served “above and beyond” the call to duty. Criteria were established to honor and give preference to those whom the services had awarded a Purple Heart, Prisoner of War or higher award. Unfortunately, we have some veterans who did not get recognized by the services or commands. We have helped rectify some, but not all.

A review of the Memorial Day program tape plainly shows that my statement was “a good many on the trail have purple hearts,” not that all members have them.

If we followed Bream's thinking, we would have no Medal of Honor Society, Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon, Purple Heart Society or P.O.W. Association. All who serve are special. Those who go “above and beyond,” with no choice of their own, are also very special.

Maj. Gen. (RET) Robert L. Sentman

Tiffin