This is in response to Mr. Stone’s Feb. 19 letter. I was at the rally in Oak Harbor on Saturday. I walked that day to Support The Troops and I witnessed the reaction of the spectators along the way. With very few exceptions each person was applauding, honking, giving us a thumbs up and many of them stopped their cars and joined us. I was not there to promote war and neither were the most of the rest of us. We were there to let the troops know that America stood behind them.

I have been part of the military community for more than 30 years and I will never again stand by while our military is demeaned and spit upon when they return from missions. I also can tell you that I have seen entire bases go on alert and leave without CNN saying a word while America thought that there was peace in the world.

Your protests won’t keep the military out of harms way. And it won’t make their lives easier. If it makes you feel good, by all means protest. It is your right in this free land of ours. Just remember, no matter how large your marches are, there are millions upon millions of Americans who are not marching. Don’t assume that we have nothing to say or that you speak for us all.

Sharyn Mellors

Coupeville