To the editor:

Suddenly it has become politically correct and fashionable to recognize veterans of the Vietnam War. Example, Memorial Day 2012: Tom Selleck hosting the ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial Wall and throughout the country many political figures acknowledging Vietnam veterans saying, “We are sorry you didn’t get the recognition you deserved, but thank you now.”

Excuse me! Sorry doesn’t cut it.

What about my cousin, a wounded helicopter pilot, who was spit upon when returning from duty through the Los Angeles airport, or my brother, who while strolling on the Plaza in Kansas City, was accused of being a killer just days back from one of the hottest battles of the war. And, then there is my husband … .

Saying you are sorry doesn’t make it right. There is a lesson my mother taught me when I was very young: “Saying you are sorry doesn’t make up for what you have done. If you have to say you are sorry for something, it means you shouldn’t have done it in the first place.”

For those of you who have to say you are sorry to our Vietnam veterans, I suggest, instead of saying you are sorry, think about this: For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

Thank you to all veterans.