When I read about the proposed Flag Day/Army anniversary/birthday celebration to be held on June 14 to the tune of $50 million, (of borrowed money) I thought I would much rather to see all the living past presidents and as many of their cabinet officials and retired army officers (in uniform) as possible gather at the National Cathedral for a service of dedication for the future of our country.

The themes could be the legitimate purpose of the flag as a symbol of the purpose of all true patriots to maintain the institutions that provide “liberty and justice for all.” A reference to the scripture Micah 4:3 and prayers for the day when they shall beat their swords into plowshares and nations shall not learn war anymore, when the best and brightest will no longer be sacrificed to the gods of greed, domination, and fear could point to the hope that some day the army would no longer be necessary while honoring the service of those brave men and women who sacrifice their individual freedom to protect the rest of us. God bless America. We need it.

Judith Truesdell

Greenfield