Vietnam vets deserve recognition

To the editor:

Thank you so much to Matt Sanders for the informative and heartfelt article about plans of the Stars and Stripes Museum and Library Association in Bloomfield, Mo., to honor Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange.

Human pain and suffering, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual, needs to be acknowledged before there is any hope of healing. Our Vietnam veterans have lived a life of largely invisible fortitude. Without our encouragement they will leave us individually never knowing of our appreciation. These men and women, as our warriors today, are abiding by a world of politics and offering the ultimate sacrifice. The very least we can do is receive their pain and lift them to the level of recognition that they deserve.

I am the proud wife of U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Larry D. Raper.

CARLA RAPER, Georgetown, Texas