Gold Star mom weeps A lame proposal

No doubt, you have heard the slogans: “Gone, but not forgotten” or “We will remember.” Remembering is what Gold Star families do every day: Wives, children, fathers and mothers. Especially mothers.

My son has been dead for nine years, but I remember him every day. It’s hard. Some days are harder than others: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, his birthday in August.

We need to remember our fallen because the peace we enjoy came at the cost of their lives. In 2016, the Washington Post published an op-ed by J. Mark Jackson, who served in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan. He wrote: “Veterans know the cost of peace firsthand, and that cost has a first name, a last name, a middle initial and parents.”

For me, that name is Marine Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser, explosive ordnance disposal tech. I will never forget going to see a memorial in McAllen for my only child shortly after his death. After viewing Joe’s face and name etched into stone, I turned to see several 5-foot-high blank slabs of granite. I wept uncontrollably as suddenly I realized, it’s not over. It will never be over! One day those granite slabs will be filled with names and faces of other warriors. Gold Star families will weep. Gold Star families will remember.

I pray our nation will also

remember the fallen, for that is the “real” cost of peace.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”: John 15:13.

Mary Wyscarver, Gold Star Marine mom, Temple

Re: “A modest proposal,” Your Turn, Tuesday:

I have thought for years that the Express-News is very liberal. I also imagine you receive many, many letters to choose from. Shocked that your best choice was “a modest proposal” calling for banning Republicans from voting.

Really? This helps fuel people to make sure that we maintain our election integrity.

Robert Wise

Alfredo Estrella / Getty Images Vice President Kamala Harris has been criticized for her remarks in Central America and for not visiting the U.S.-Mexico border. A reader suggests she show some compassion.