New Air Force recruit showing patriotism

(Ed. note: This letter originally was sent to staff writer Andrea Buchanan.)Dear Ms. Buchanan:

Recently, you interviewed me while I was waiting to give blood at the Osage Centre. I am pleased with the article. But what I am e-mailing you about is that, when my dad read the article, he began to cry. It touched a side of him I have rarely seen. My father and the rest of the region saw a side of patriotism I have always had.

My dad right now is scared for me with the new possibility of war. But I tell him just like I have been telling the rest of the people who have asked me if I have any second thoughts about joining the Air Force: I love America, I will do anything for her and her people, even if it means my demise. Other people in bad times before stuck by this great nation, and I will too. I am ready to do whatever it takes to keep the United States of America going, no matter how big or small the job is.

I want you to know that the quote at the end of the article said it all for me, and I am almost positive it speaks for the rest of the people in the armed services and the whole nation: We are ready!

We can take anything that anyone else can dish out.

RONNIE BRITTAIN, USAF

Advance, Mo.

Netherlands recognizes America's pain

To the editor:

I writing you this letter because I would like to let your readers know how the rest of the world and The Netherlands in particular are dealing with this international tragedy.

Over here, Europe is still in shock. I believe people are slowly realizing what happened. Last Friday at noon, my country shut down completely for three minutes of respect for those who were killed Sept. 11. All public transportation stopped, factories shut down, people stopped walking in the streets and just stood there.

A lot of sports have been canceled, but the games that go on start with one minute of silence, and the players wear black ribbons around their arms to show respect.

In my hometown, shop owners have put American flags at half pole. Amercian flags are everywhere.

With this letter, I hope to inform you, the reader, that the rest of the world cares. My grandma told me the USA has saved us twice. It's time we join up with them.

MARCO OTTEN

Eijsden, the NetherlandsNow is time to consider prayer in schools

To the editor:

God speaks to all of us. Sometimes we hear, sometimes we don't. He spoke to our nation in a loud, clear voice on September 11, 2001. He said "I am here. Do not forget Me." How many people have forgotten Him? How many people in our country cannot or do not take the time to remember Him, He who gave His life that we might live in eternity with Him.

I am not a radical. I am an average wife, mother and grandmother. I feel that one woman made a difference in getting religion, and thus God, out of our public schools and out of any public building in our country. One person can make a difference. I am writing this letter to prove that. I want to start a campaign to put God back in our schools, in our public buildings, in our lives.

On Sept. 11, the greatest act of violence in our country was committed against us. It was the first time in my life and maybe in history that an entire nation turned to God for support and guidance. But God worked to bring a nation to its knees -- in prayer. I am asking every person in this wonderful country of ours to please take the time to let your Congressmen know that you want prayer back in our schools.BECKY MABERY

De Soto, Mo.