To the editor:

Thank you for printing the article entitled ‘A Holiday Reunion, Far From Home”. The heroism and comradeship portrayed in Captain Fasano’s story was inspirational.

The strength of the men who served in WWII was incredible. They served so proudly. American women also stepped into vital roles on the homefront and in uniform becoming factory workers, nurses and volunteers. All played important roles. What they sacrificed for us!
The result of this sacrifice was our NATO alliance and multi-lateral organizations such as the United Nations which support a peaceful world. My deceased father, a WWII vet, was proud of NATO. It was protection for America and the world making us safer from future conflicts, tyranny, fascism and war. Veterans contributed their wartime service for the creation of NATO. It was a way to honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Our present administration wants to leave NATO. This discredits their service and the legacy of WWII veterans. President Trump belittles our heroic veterans by calling them “suckers and losers.” America First’ does not make for a peaceful world. Global Alliances are important. Taking America away from NATO, The World Health Organization, The United Nations and The Paris Climate Accord is shameful.

My father and many WWII veterans including Captain Fasano never spoke about their service. Many suffered in silence. They knew war was true hell. But now the Department of Defense is called The Department of War. This change was made by people who never experienced real conflict or war the way Captain Fasano and his comrades did. Donald Trump, Steven Miller and Peter Hegesth, puff their chests and bully with the club of a strong America, but they are cowards, who never experienced the depth of war's tragedy that heroes like Captain Fasano did.

I am thankful to all veterans and their heroic service. I am proud of my own father and his family's service. There is no romance to war. WWII was a dark time, but our nation was never more united. We should choose a path toward avoiding war through the UN, NATO and other organizations that strive for help to sustain peace in the world.

Kathy Kloeblen
Bristol