My son has been serving his country in Iraq. He had to miss his little boy being born and many other events in his family's life. He is with the 145th Field Artillery. He is presently in Texas waiting to return home to Spanish Fork, Utah. A few (82) were able to return home on Memorial Day. Two more groups are able to return home tomorrow, May 29th, but the other two groups have been delayed because of the president flying in to raise money for the Republican party.

On this Memorial Day 2008, I am grateful to all of the soldiers and citizens who have valiantly defended our country from terrorism at home and abroad since September 11, 2001. I am ashamed of the pacifists, protesters and politicos who have undermined the efforts of our leaders to preserve national defense and international security. They deliberately damage the cause of freedom, and then they accuse our president of being a failure. "Wake up, America!" said Mayor Daniel at our Pleasant Grove flag ceremony this morning. I second that motion.

• Cynthia L. Hallen,

Pleasant Grove

It is amazing that individuals who get turned down for new credit are putting the blame on their bank or credit union. Well, it is about time that people take responsibility for their own actions. Six months before you even think about getting a loan, check your credit and FICO scores. This will give you time to fix any problems, because it can take that long to do so. Have balances on your credit cards to a low amount or paid off in full.

The 27 May editorial opinion demonstrates how the leftist anti-gun people are out of touch and have a hard time dealing with hard facts. Most of us here in Utah are believers in the theory of mathematics, but not all.

I have found riding your bike in Orem is more dangerous than being in Iraq. While in Iraq for a year I frequently felt in danger but I came through without a scratch. I usually feel safe in Orem but, unfortunately, that might be just an illusion.

I would like to point out why Provo's new ethics ordinance should be passed, if the right changes are made. The proposed changes seem to address the problems encountered when you have a councilman who is also a real estate developer. Since the council is a part-time position those elected have the right to make a living, but because of a council person's unique position of authority and influence there need to be appropriate safeguards. One of the main duties of the council is to guide and approve development. Therefore some interactions of a councilman/developer need to be limited to avoid a clear conflict of interest.

As a faithful Herald reader, I was very disappointed at the lack of coverage for the Race for the Cure held last Saturday. Given that women have a 1 in 8 chance of contracting breast cancer, that it was the 25th anniversary of the national event, and that more than 17,000 people came to support the cause, I expected at least some sort of story in the paper, not to mention some measure of education about breast cancer.

Graffiti is increasing in our community -- Apollo Hall in American Fork, Cedar Hills Golf Course, and Highland Parks have all been recently vandalized. Research shows that most "taggers" are young men seeking recognition; thus, the greatest deterrent is quick removal.