A champion for veterans, patriotism

To the editor:

Veterans and patriotism lost their biggest champion on March 30: my mother, Betty Cato. My mother instilled in me many things, but, besides my love of Jesus Christ, one of the dearest is respect for our grand flag and for those who sacrificed so much for our country, the veterans. She worked tirelessly in an organization she loved, becoming the Missouri's president of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was active on the board at the Missouri Veterans Home. She was a loving mother and wife, staunch Republican and beautiful Christian woman. When I thank a veteran or proudly put my hand over my heart during the national anthem, I will think of my mother, Betty Cato.

AMY CATO REYNOLDS, McClure, Ill.