Re: “,” June 11 letter to the editor.
Letter-writer Brent Rouse expresses concern about Muhammad Ali being honored with flags at half-staff. He believes that the honor should be reserved for war heroes, not a “draft dodger” and “coward.”
When I was drafted in 1967, I considered the option of moving to Canada, but took the easier way out and allowed myself to be inducted. I was seriously wounded in Vietnam, for which I was awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal for valor.
But true valor comes from keeping faith with your beliefs. Ali sacrificed the heavyweight crown and the admiration of people like Mr. Rouse, because he stayed true to his anti-war convictions. Ultimately, we have learned that the Vietnam War was a mistake, and Ali was on the right side of history. He earned the right to have the flag lowered, because America is strongest when its people stand up for whatap right.
Daniel Barber, Lakewood
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