Dear Editor:
As both a Vietnam veteran and gay man, I must respond to an online letter from Bob Schwartz and Andy Thayer concerning Windy City Times' coverage of the passing of John Riordan. I am sure he was affected by the draft in those days, as many young men were.
Honoring Riordan's memory does not dismiss all the carpet-bombing by B16, or the fact that the Vietnam conflict was unjust on so many levels, much like the Afghan and Iraq. both of which were unjust wars.
There were many young soldiers who served with both distinction and honor in these conflicts. It is only right that we honor the memories of those LGBT heroes who served their country.
People of good will can have differences of strategy, but we should never confuse or dismiss the honor of those who served and worked for change within the military complex because of that difference. That is both unreasonable and short-sighted.
This is a far more complex problem than the letter would indicate. We do not live a perfect world; however, honoring the memories of these heroes should not be a point of contention in our community, but rather one of Pride and unity. Many young man joined the military in those days as their way out of poverty.
I agree with everything that the letter said from a historical perspective, but that in no way should dismiss what Riordan did during his lifeand that was to save the lives of innocent people, women and children. Honoring the life of the late Mr. Rioirdan, in my opinion, was what the Windy City Times was doingnothing more, nothing less.
I salute the Windy City Times coverage for honoring Riordan's life and contribution; my prayers are now with both his family and loved ones. We should never forget that there are many who opposed the war and served in the military with honor and distinction, they are not the enemy here the real enemy was and is an out of control military complex.
We are all working for peace for both the living and the dead. There is no shame in honoring both their contributions and memories.
Joe Murray
Chicago