This is a particularly significant Memorial Day, with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the upcoming 60th anniversary of D-Day. It's a great opportunity for parents to instill a sense of citizenship and shared heritage in their children. Take the kids to a Memorial Day ceremony, and explain what this day is all about: to honor the memory of countrymen who died so that we and others could live free.

America has needed heroes in every generation, from the Minutemen of Lexington Green, to Doolittle's Raiders over Tokyo, to Ranger Pat Tillman in Afghanistan. Inspire your young men with their heritage this weekend, for their country will remain the land of the free only so long as it continues to be the home of the brave.

Mike Emerine, Cold Spring

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'Cops' would have shown true Cincinnati

The only reason those members of Cincinnati City Council did not want the program Cops filming here, is that it would enlighten the nation as to who and what is the real problem in Cincinnati. One clue, it is not the police department.

We have again given into the squeaky wheels in council by allowing them to cancel Cops coverage of Cincinnati. Council has been flushing our city into the sewer by not having the guts to support the police. Cops would have shown hard working, dedicated police officers who risk their lives daily, without city support, to make our community safe for all people, black and white. Nothing will ever be accomplished if council continues to use the race card. The laws are there for everyone to obey. I think it's time to say, "enough is enough."

Marian Nusekabel, Bridgetown

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Causing embarrassment over 'Cops'

Cincinnati Councilmembers Christopher Smitherman and Alicia Reece have embarrassed the citizens of Cincinnati with their immature attitude towards our terrific police force. I support Councilman Sam Malone's proposal you submit to bring the taping of the TV show Cops back to our city.

As I watched the replay of Reece, while conducting the council meeting, she continued to condemn the idea of Cops showing excellent police work if it meant showing African-Americans not dressed in business suits. Smitherman said no one needed to see our police "hog-tying" African-Americans.

The majority of people who live in this community support the police. We are lucky to have a dedicated police force even though they are frequently demoralized by the likes of Smitherman and Reece.

I hope Sam Malone, along with other city leaders and council members can turn this ridiculous mistake around. Public opinion supports show-casing our police force in action, cameras never lie.

Kerin Hayes, Hyde Park

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Reasoning against women priests flawed

George B. Glandorf's reasoning is flawed when he writes that women cannot be priests (May 28). He seems to think that only at ordination does a priest "put on the person of Christ." But all Christians, female and male, are told to emulate Christ. This process has nothing to do with gender and everything to do with character.

Glandorf is correct that Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom of the church. Therefore, one could argue that a church led by female priests would better represent the bride of Christ.

Glandorf's statement that Jesus himself handed down the tradition of a male-only priesthood is absolutely false. On the contrary, Jesus himself "ordained" women when he chose them to be the first witnesses and proclaimers of his resurrection.

Ellen Dryer, College Hill

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Do something about gas prices

Have you seen gas prices lately? They are ridiculous. $2.05 a gallon for gas, and it's the cheap gas at that. Why are our tax dollars paying for our soldiers to guard other countries' oil, and yet our gas is through the roof?

LaToya K. Elliott, Mount Airy