Recognition for Cold War Veterans

Re “Medals and Memorials Are Missing in Action,” Commentary, May 29: As a Vietnam combat veteran, I think Gaines Post Jr. should be taken out and shot at. That way he would have a legitimate beef about not being recognized. Good men and women have been sacrificing for this country through military service since it was founded. How Post came to believe that people in his niche group deserve special recognition is beyond me.

In his last paragraph he claims, “History will remember us for the strength of our silence.” He certainly is noisy for someone hoping to be remembered for his silence. Immediately following that statement is a plug for his book on the subject. Memorial Day is a special day set aside to pay honor to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. His bellyaching on your Commentary page was unseemly.

SPENCER MATTESON

Los Angeles

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I served in the United States Army in West Germany during the Berlin and Cuban crises (1961-64). Each time I drove on the Helmstadt Autobahn and entered East Berlin through Checkpoint Charlie, in a small way, the torch of hope and freedom was held high for those held captive in East Germany. I need no medals or awards, because it was enough to have been privileged to serve this country that has given my family and me so much.

ROBERT B. GERBER

Los Angeles