Serving in the military was a great experience
I was dismayed on Veterans Day to read about Veterans for Peace creating a “counter recruitment” video that aims to discourage young people from joining the military ( “Struggling to Find Peace of Mind,” Nov. 11).
While I respect that the creators had an unpleasant and traumatic experience while serving, I and many others have found military service to be fulfilling and rewarding. I served four years in the Marines and have served more than 10 years in the Army National Guard. I have had the opportunity to travel to many foreign countries. I graduated from Robert Morris University with no debt because of the GI Bill and have built lifelong friendships.
While their experience in war motivates their project, serving as an infantryman in Iraq was one of the greatest experiences of my life and made me a better person. I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that the military has provided, and I encourage young people to serve their nation in uniform. MARK CAMERON
Carnegie who belong to the largest religious organization in southwestern Pennsylvania, that a Denver Catholic, Ben Salmon, refused to do military service when called up in 1917 and consequently suffered imprisonment and torture, but remained faithful to his conviction that a Christian cannot kill, even when the state demands it.
He is also famous for observing that there is “no such thing as a just war.” His story is found at bensalmon.org. As a member of “Friends of Ben,” I am among those who are working for his beatification.
Republicans, with the help of Ms. Bell, are invited to initiate the process for Ms. Rankin’s beatification. REV. BERNARD SURVIL
Jeannette
I have seen Bob Dylan many times over the years in many different cities, and it pains me to agree with Scott Mervis’ review of his Nov. 6 show here in Pittsburgh ( “Bob Dylan Heinz Hall Show Doesn’t Deliver,” Nov. 8).
Dylan and his band appeared not to be into the evening, and the audience was equally anemic. The kid sitting next to me was asleep, and the couple in front of me making out throughout the show could have saved some money opting for a hotel room instead of pricey orchestraseat tickets.
The beauty of Bob Dylan’s shows is his ability to rearrange lyrics and melodies, but some of his arrangements were so different and his voice was so rough that a few songs were over before I could even recognize them. To his credit, I did enjoy “Desolation Row,” which I can’t remember him doing during any recent concerts, and some of his arrangements on the baby grand piano were wonderful.
Maybe it’s finally time for Bob to end his Never Ending Tour and bask in the satisfaction of many of his incredible musical accomplishments over the past six decades. Oh! Can’t forget a shoutout to Mavis Staples. She was simply marvelous. FRANCINE PORTER Shaler