Dear Editor,

A group of residents of the Roaring Fork Valley were discussing the war in Iraq and the lack of respect our dead and wounded are receiving when they are brought back home. The government forbids photographs of the flag-draped coffins as they arrive. The injured are scheduled to come home at night so they cannot be photographed or interviewed.

These are American men and women, neighbors, relatives who lost their lives or an arm or leg or an eye. They enlisted to “Be all you can be!” Now the message is, “Be quiet.”

Some of us were opposed to the war, and still believe it to be a tragic mistake. Nonetheless, those who have been put in harm’s way, and have been harmed, deserve our respect and recognition of their pain and sacrifice.

To that end, we propose and request that all officially flown American flags be flown at half-mast in honor of these young soldier-citizens who have died representing us.

We know that our flag is a symbol of our might and power, and is not lightly dipped. It is also a symbol of our solidarity and compassion and respect for those who have given their lives in the service of their country and their flag.

We hope President Bush will give this request serious consideration, and will indeed order all official American flags flown at half-mast, as long as American lives continue to be lost.

Sincerely,

Peter and Jony Larrowe

Carbondale