I just received my June 3 copy of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald and noted on the front page "POB residents celebrate Memorial Day at parade."

I was appalled at the complete lack of recognition by your paper of the origin and intent of this holiday. As you may recall, this holiday was originally named Decoration Day, for a very good reason. The intent was to honor the untold number of service men and women who had given their lives while answering this country's call to battle.

For your information, in addition to the Honor Guard from Plainview VFW Post #5942 and Plainview American Legion Post #1812, as well as a number of veterans from both posts, there was a Brigidier General from the Air Force and a Captain of Infantry who had recently returned from a combat tour of duty in Iraq. These people are true heroes and should have been identified as such in your coverage of the parade. However, there was not one picture of either the Honor Guard or the other distinguished members of the military.

Shame on you.

James C. Waters

Quartermaster

VFW Post #5942