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While I agree with you that Memorial Day should be reserved for "those in uniform who fell to keep us free", I see no reason why this year, and this year alone, we shouldn't honor those that had an active hand in preventing another horrible attack and sacrificed their lives in the process. Hopefully, Sept. 11 will eventually become the day when we honor these folks.

"Those who suffered the hardships of wartime service, and who made the ultimate sacrifice deserve the distinction."

I am expecially sensitive to preserving Memorial Day for what it has been in the past. My husband served two tours as a Navy pilot in Viet Nam, and we lost several close friends during that conflict.

Agree.

My friends who fell are remembered: by me, by their families, their classmates, and others. Unfortunately, there are some soldiers of my rifle company who do not even enjoy that small token. They were draftees from the inner city, from broken homes, unremarkable in every respect. Except that they did what their country asked them to do and died willingly doing what I asked them to do. They are the ones I respect.