To the editor:

I would like to sincerely thank Marty Kennedy for his service to our country. There are many who deserve our thanks for putting their lives on the line in the line of duty for our country. According to many who served side by side with John Kerry, we also owe him a debt of gratitude for his service during the Vietnam War. And, according to those who served directly with him, he deserves to be proud of his service.

I have not heard John Kerry say anything that would dishonor Marty Kennedy or any other person who also served honorably in Vietnam. Mr. Kerry was critical of the war itself, as were many of those who served, and, later, many who were responsible for sending our troops into battle.

I would expect John Kerry, if he were commander in chief of the United States, to show up as a Naval officer if the intelligence is sound and the rationale for going to war justifies it. If not, then I would expect him to act as a war protester. I believe John Kerry is intelligent and honorable enough to know the difference.

Jay Patterson,

Lawrence