McRae (the person who wrote the original letter) wrote a follow-up letter to the newspaper that was published on July 9 in which he apologized for his original complaint confirmed on TruthorFiction):
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby (”A wake-up call from Luke’s jets,” Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies.
Tom MacRae, Peoria
The entire scenario from the complaint to the explanation to the apology shows the spirit of the USA. Where else in the world would people come together like this. As a vet of WWII I see the same togetherness and realizations that have carried this Nation through all it’s wars.