The true heroes are the ones not exploited by the media

The true heroes are the onesnot exploited by the media
EDITOR:
My dad served and fought in the Pacific in World War II. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and the Silver Star and held nine other citations for gallantry and bravery under fire during his tour of duty.
He never boasted of his achievements but was always saddened by the hype, admiration and portrayal of certain types of action that are expected of men and women in the military but are depicted as overwhelming heroism by the media.
The first couple of servicemen that were captured in the start of Desert Storm and the Private Lynch story in the recent Iraq war have been overdramatized by the media.
Americans are thankful that most of them survived these ordeals, but these are normal acts of serving our country in time of war. We cheapen the memory and honor of those who truly distinguished themselves in battle. To gain rating points or extra circulation, mainstream media love to glorify a woman soldier who was in the wrong place at the wrong time in a war zone.
My father spent 30 months in the South Pacific enduring one of the most brutal wars ever fought, logged 684 combat hours and flew more than 73 missions. He died more than four years ago this holiday season, and I know we lose many WWII vets every day.
There are many servicemen and women in past wars who never got their pictures in magazines or newspapers and certainly never received $1 million for a book deal! Their exploits and true acts of heroism and valor are recorded but not flaunted for media ratings or personal gain. They did what they had to do and are proud to have fought for our freedom and served their country -- period.
Unfortunately today, most media create "paper heroes" for profit. This type of exploitation only feeds our generation with a false sense of accomplishment. We are overwhelmed with media hype today 24/7. I think I will declare a No Media Day. I'll turn off my cell phone, big-screen television, radio and computer and leave the newspaper on the front porch.
Instead, I will take a hike in the mountains and reflect on the beauty of our country while remembering a true hero in my life and not one created by the media. I urge you all to do the same.
RICHARD A. VAUGHAN
Poland
Redefining marriage goesagainst biblical teachings
EDITOR:
Should we change the definition of marriage for gays?
Now, we get the definition of marriage from the Bible. To really appreciate the meaning, we must have some understanding of the Bible and its intent. The Bible says that its words are the same, yesterday, today and forever. That means it does not change because of trends in time. Canada's government said it would rewrite the definition of marriage, allowing same-sex couples to wed. I believe it would be wrong to change any meaning of Scripture. This is because I am a Christian, and want the word to remain the same today as it was yesterday.
I realize everyone is not a Christian who reads the word, and everyone has a free will to live with anyone.
As far as getting legal rights as a partner, we have lawyers who can make things legal for anyone, married or not.
If any two people want a legal right to one another's property, get an attorney and he will draw up the papers for you to sign. Just like a marriage does.
But don't change God's word.
I am sure the gay community can be creative enough to come up with a new and different term to legalize their relationship.
RICHARD CANACCI
Youngstown