Editorial

My father-in-law Don served in World War II. Although he was involved in many missions, he rarely talks about his experiences. Like many other veterans, he did his duty but does not like to brag about it.

Many veterans were proud to serve their country. They realize it's sometimes necessary to defend our country and help other nations fight against aggressors. But they do not like war and would rather avoid it if possible.

World War II Memorial. On May 29, the new World War II Memorial will be dedicated in Washington, D.C. My husband and I sent information to make sure that the names of his father and step-father - who are both World War II veterans - would be included in the memorial.

It is fitting that the World War II Memorial was built in the shadow of the Washington Monument. Just as George Washington fought for freedom for the people who settled here, those who fought in WWII helped ensure the peace and stability of Europe and Asia for many years to come.

They deserve to be honored for their dedication to their country and to the world. Some of those veterans are still alive, so it is especially meaningful for them. Many more have died, either in combat or since the war. The memorial stands as a remembrance of their lives, too.

Catholic teaching on war. Our Catholic faith forbids the intentional destruction of human life. "Because of the evils and injustices that accompany all war, the Church insistently urges everyone to prayer and to action so that the divine Goodness may free us from the ancient bondage of war," says the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

"All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war," emphasizes the Catechism. But it goes on to say that governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense once all peaceful efforts have failed.

The Catechism lists strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force - what has been called the "just war theory." Once a war has been declared "just," governments have the right and duty to impose on citizens the obligations necessary for national defense.

"Those who are sworn to serve their country in the armed forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations. If they carry out their duty honorably, they truly contribute to the common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace," says the Catechism.

Realities of war and peace. We all long for peace. Yet we must deal with the realities of violent conflicts and terrorism in our own country and throughout the world. We would be naive if we think we can avoid all war, yet we must continue to do everything in our power to work for peaceful solutions.

When all else fails, our armed forces will be sent into conflicts with the ultimate goal of bringing peace, security, and freedom. Perhaps that's why the current Iraqi prison scandal upsets Americans so much. We should be exporting justice and peace, not more of the injustice and violence we hope to eliminate.

On Memorial Day and every day throughout the year, let us pray for all those who have fought for freedom and continue to do so. Let us also pray for peace and an end to all war.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

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Most serve our country with honor; abortion greatest scandal

To the editor:

With pride in America and our Armed Forces, I salute the vast majority of the men and women who serve our country with honor in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world. May God bless them and their families.

To allow the few who dishonor our country to become a reflection of our entire nation and to place the blame for their actions on their commander in chief is a form of treason. Our soldiers in Iraq are not at war with the people of Iraq, but rather, they are peacemakers who have become victims of revenge and hatred by an unseen enemy who will even kill their own countrymen if necessary. Without our military presence, mobs would rule a country which has lost the desire for peace.

In comparison, allowing a political party responsible for millions of deaths through abortion to resume power at any level of political life is a disgrace to every American who believes in the right to life according to our Constitution, which says we are all created equal.

Scandal is all around us, but the scandal of deliberate, willful abortion is the greatest scandal ever witnessed by any people - civilized or uncivilized.

Vincent Bemowski, Menasha