This is the page where I will list the "Letters to the Editor" that I occasionally write to local Newspapers.

Letters to the Editor

Sun Sentinel

200 East Las Olas Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

 June 1, 2004

 RE:      Hero’s 

I have just finished reading a letter to the editor, as I have read many letters and articles condemning the alleged atrocities by “our boys and girls” in the Army, usually on the front page, but the articles about the hero’s are usually buried in the back pages. Today’s newspaper was a good example; there was an article about a local Cape Coral, Florida man that was killed in Afghanistan, leaving a family including a wife, brothers and parents, yet this article was relegated to page 15A. The front page lead article was more important, I guess, it was about a man in prison 25 years for murdering a women and how he has rehabilitated himself. I fully understand that it is the unimpeachable right of Newspapers and Television to report all the News. We can argue Politics, War, and our presence in Iraq which is our undeniable right, but Lets remember the facts: This war is made up of many reservists and regular Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy men and women who are giving their lives and limbs to pursue an ideal. This ideal is to support and protect the United States in their effort to rid the world or terrorism. The “Hero’s” today are not the football, baseball players and sports figures; they are the Soldiers fighting and dying to protect us all. I propose that the Sun Sentinel, in addition to reporting all the news, start a feature sidebar on the front page of the newspaper every day, until this war is over, profiling one of these Hero’s. Yes, Mr. Editor, this will in no way support or condemn the war, you are safe. This will let the American People and the World know that your newspaper is brave enough to acknowledge the sacrifice’s that our patriotic and brave men and women of the military have made in their effort to protect us. Please talk to the editors and managers of this fine newspaper and let’s start supporting our “Real Hero’s”.  Additionally, I would propose that local communities start getting together to see just how we can help these wonderful men and woman upon their return back to their normal lives. I can not imagine the pain of a loved one going to war, only to be left with their memories, unpaid bills and trying to cope on a soldier’s salary for a year or more. This is a time when, we can still question the war, protest if you like, support it if you like, but let’s whole heartedly support our soldiers and let them know that, Yes we are aware of your sacrifice and we thank god every day that you have chosen to serve and protect.

 Richard Lauricella