Thanks to our troops for their great sacrifices

Published on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 6:54 AM MST

Dear Editor:

As the Fourth of July approaches and we celebrate our country's independence with parades, speeches and fireworks, let us all keep in mind the great sacrifices that were made to secure our freedoms, as well as the sacrifices that are being made by our men and women who are presently serving their country in the military around the world. We should also keep in mind the sacrifices of the families who have loved ones who have chosen to go and defend their country during these perilous times.

This great nation owes a debt of gratitude to them for their courageous service, and I salute all those who have served or are presently serving our country, as well as their families. It is because of their great service and sacrifice that our country is free and will continue to be free as long as we have people who are willing to fight for those freedoms.

As a Navy veteran and the proud father of a young marine, PFC Tony Larson, who is presently serving his country and preparing for combat as a machine gunner in the Marine Corps infantry, soon to be deployed with the Marine Expeditionary Force, I understand the pride as well as the anguish that military families are going through.

Larry Larson

Safford

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Comments

8 comment(s)

Staff wrote on Jul 5, 2009 7:00 PM:

" What I think is funny, is the fact that me and 6 other troops where at the parade and not one JohniRotten came to talk smack to our faces. "

Sergeant US Army wrote on Jul 5, 2009 2:40 AM:

" It's an honor to support and defend your right to free speech, JohnnyRotten, even when your point of view is repugnant. "

Staff Sergeant wrote on Jul 3, 2009 3:44 AM:

" Soldiers do what they do for money???? What a ignorant thing to say. I was offered a position working for Boeing recently starting off at $15k more a year than what a make right now doing the exact same job, however, i turned the offer down because I can not imagine waking up in the morning and NOT putting on this uniform. Day in and day out I'm away from my family in places no one should visit, and I know I'm doing it for the pride of serving. NOT for a paycheck. "

Safford resident wrote on Jul 2, 2009 4:27 PM:

" Regardless of opinions on whether or not we should be in this war, I think we should all be respectful of those people in the military who are serving this country and their families. It must be very difficult to have a loved one in a dangerous situation. Just because I don't support the reasons behind this war, I would never spit at those people loyally serving this country. Didn't we learn anything from Viet Nam? We should not disrespect our troops. Thank you for standing up for what you think is right. "

JohnnyRotten wrote on Jul 2, 2009 1:02 PM:

" Yawn..
If Americians weren't in the Middle East exploiting the region for oil before 9/11
there would have never been no 9/11.
Quit being an imperialist country and tend of your hundreds of problems in your own country.
Have military troops for justice?
Go into Somlia and knock the pirates out of commission, but, nooooooo..
Soliders do what they do for money.
Pirates? Soliders? Same ol' same old century after century..
Celebrate a dying nation?
Not me..(spits on the ground.) "

Thank You wrote on Jul 1, 2009 11:09 PM:

" I thank all the men and women for their service! "

Valley Serviceman wrote on Jul 1, 2009 1:19 PM:

" On behalf of veteran's all over I would like to say thank you. I am proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. I have been deployed to Iraq 3 times and have been in 6 years. It is always good to hear that our community supports those serving and those that have served. It means a lot to us serving at home and abroad to get thanks. I can say for myself it never gets old. I am honored to serve for people like you Mr. Larson. "

to Laryy Larson family wrote on Jul 1, 2009 7:44 AM:

" You have every right to be proud of your son. I suggest to further honor him your and your family put a float in our up coming 4th of July Parade honoring him and your self for you are a veteran of a war long past but not forgotten.
Come out and celebrate with his and show your pride.
Marrianne Rowley, parade chairman "

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