Young American’s view a real service

Thank you, Mr. Ali Al Faham, for the courage and decency you expressed in your guest commentary “Doctrine of false Islam must be rejected” in Saturday’s Herald. Many of us have been waiting and wondering whether any Islamic immigrant among us would speak out against the radicals.

I estimate that you’re probably in your 20s, so much of your growing up and maturing years have been as an American. I’m glad that our country (yours and mine) has apparently served you as we hope it does our own children.

I’m a proud veteran of the U.S. Army on Okinawa in 1945 and the First Marines in Korea in 1951. Serving our country was one of the most honorable and decent things I’ve done during my long life. I thank you for your comment that you “haven’t had the honor of serving America in the military.” However, the words and feelings you shared with us were indeed a service to your country.

Almost every American has some foreign ancestry. Most of us don’t describe ourselves as some hyphenated “-American.” Thank you for speaking as an American, against the cruelty, injustices and terror that the radicals use against us to try to destroy our way of life and our freedoms. We’re far from perfect, but we believe in our country and the hope it offers to us all.

Thank you, again, for your courage and decency in speaking out for our country.

Bruce Peseau

Arlington