The horrendous attack against the United States that occurred in New York on September 11 brought out, in our citizens, the glory that is our nation but, also, unfortunately, those few who voice vicious, sadistic statements because they harbor bizarre resentments. Such, sadly, was the letter by a Jane Arsenault that The Roslyn News saw fit to publish in its September 27 issue.

I have lived in Roslyn for almost four decades. In that time, I have observed a community dedicated to helping all its inhabitants achieve to their capacity. I have been justly proud of my neighbors for their dedication in attempting to make this town and country a better place for all our children.

The loss of thousands has affected each and every one of us. Either it's a family member, a friend of the family or a member of the community whose presence will never grace our streets again. The shock that still reigns is assuaged somewhat by our appearing at funerals and memorials, giving generously to the victims, joining in groups to help guarantee that such evil will never occur again and responding to all calls for help.

Because of Ms. Arsenault's assertion that one person refused to fly a flag, I counted the number of flags on my one street. There are 30! And we are a community that doesn't usually need such symbols to show its love of country; we prove it by how we choose to live and to die.

Perhaps the saddest aspect of that cruel letter is that the comment that "you (Roslyn) don't deserve this country" demeans the people in our town who gave their lives so that Ms. Arsenault would be guaranteed the free speech to say it and the newspaper's right to publish it. We have seen and raised "brave heroes and victims," Ms. Arsenault, and may we assure you that you are neither.

Dorothy A. Stracher