DEAR ABBY: I wish you could find the space in your column to reprint a letter my husband wrote after Memorial Day. It was printed in our local paper. I'm sure our armed services veterans would appreciate it. -- HELEN MANIER, SEDRO WOOLLEY, WASH.
DEAR HELEN: I am pleased to print your husband's eloquent and timely letter. Its message isn't just for veterans -- it's for everyone.
THEY DIED SO YOU CAN VOTE
by David Manier
For many years my emotions have been moved by Memorial Day remembrances and ceremonies. This year was emotional as always, but I was struck by the thought that those who made the supreme sacrifice are being let down by many in this country.
There is a thin line between a government of the people, for the people and by the people, and a governing body that prohibits the governed any means to improve their quality of life. That thin line is the right by free and honest elections to select the persons who govern and represent the citizens. The right to enact or disallow many social or economic changes. That thin line is the right to vote.
The right to vote is extended to selecting the officers of your labor union, religious group, social or fraternal organization. Labor unions and religious freedom are not allowed in a police state or dictatorship.
Hundreds of thousands of armed forces members have died to preserve our government and our right to vote. The citizens of this country who are eligible to vote -- but do not -- commit a grave disservice to those who died in wars defending the United States.
Their deaths should not have been in vain.
DEAR READERS: If you haven't already registered to vote, now is the time to do it. Get moving. Forward -- march!