I would like to respond to the editorial that appeared in the December 1 issue of The Poly concerning the “Support Our Troops” magnets that many people choose to display on their vehicles.

While I am sure there are some individuals and companies that are selling these magnets for pure profit, the magnet I acquired was sold by the local VFW. The profits from the sale of the magnets are being used to supply personal items to local troops currently deployed in Iraq and also to support the soldiers’ families in the area.

I would have gladly made the same donation even if a magnet was not included. When I was given the magnet, I did not immediately put it on my car. I would not affix a magnet that says “Support the War” on my car. I would not affix a magnet that says “God Bless America” on my car unless I could also find a magnet that said “God Bless Iraq.” I decided a magnet that states my support for the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces is something I want to proclaim.

I personally know four people who have a spouse or child currently stationed in Iraq. Last week my co-worker said goodbye to her husband for the next eighteen months because his National Guard unit has been activated. Another woman I know has a husband in Iraq for the next year training members of a new Iraqi Police Department. Obviously, these soldiers can’t see my magnet, but their families can see it and I believe they appreciate the show of support. I wish I could do more to support our troops, but my nominal donations and constant prayers are all I can offer.

As a country, I would like to think we learned some hard lessons from the Vietnam War, though I fear our leaders are repeating some of the same mistakes. I am old enough to remember the shabby treatment our troops encountered when they came home from Vietnam. I will be happy to support any effort to show appreciation to any person who chooses to serve our nation and I am thankful to live in a country where everyone is free to express their own opinions.

Michael J. Conroy