When I was a high school teacher, I remember feeling very uncomfortable when recruiters would set up a table in the lunch area. I never saw other "persuaders" there, and wondered why the military was allowed on campus. Those kids were too young to make good decisions about their lives, IMHO. I wasn't aware there was an anti-recruitment effort. Although I know the military has helped many a lost young man (and maybe woman) find his feet, I still don't want the U.S. sending these tender lambs to war, or wrecking destruction on other countries.

I also remember touring a military ship during Fleet Week, and being impressed by the uniforms and bright shining faces of the young people showing it off. Then I came across a mural on a wall deep inside. It showed Death descending on a village. We need to remember what the military is all about.

Thank you for this moving and important story.