Readers’ comments: May 24, 2024

The true meaning of Memorial Day
Dear editor:
As Memorial Day approaches, it is important for all Americans to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this day. Memorial Day is not just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer; it is a day dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of California wishes to remind everyone that the freedoms we enjoy today are the result of the courage and dedication of our fallen brothers and sisters. These individuals came from all walks of life but shared a common commitment to protect and defend our country. Their sacrifices must not be forgotten.
We encourage you to participate in Memorial Day ceremonies to pay respects to those who have given their lives for our freedom. Additionally, we ask that everyone take a moment of silence at 3 p.m. as part of the National Moment of Remembrance.
Let us ensure that Memorial Day remains a poignant reminder of the cost of our liberty and an opportunity to honor and remember our military heroes. By doing so, we preserve the legacy of those who served and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the families they left behind.
To learn more about how you can pay tribute not only on Memorial Day, but throughout the year, contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars post.
Tim Bryant
State Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars

College presidents: stop giving in to pro-Palestinian protesters
Dear editor:
My sincere apologies for my letter published in the Courier on April 24. I mistakenly attributed characteristics of strength, courage, and fortitude to the presidents of Pomona and Pitzer colleges. I did this because they had shown strength in standing up to masked protesters, presumably students, who were taking over their campuses. I wrote that these presidents would be setting a new standard among college presidents. How wrong I was.
Universities have policies, practices, standards and rules, and a responsibility to uphold those standards and rules. They need to provide safety for their entire community and not relinquish power to those who speak the loudest, even if they declare themselves to be peaceful. Protesters anchored to the destruction of Israel are not peaceful protestors, nor are they asking for a peaceful resolution to this war. The slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is a genocidal statement to eliminate Israel and the Jewish people. There is no place on our college campuses for this type of hate.
On May 11, the New York Times Editorial Board released an op-ed calling for university presidents to reclaim control over their campuses, curtail anti-Israel encampments and protect Jewish students, and ensure the classes and commencement ceremonies continue as scheduled.
On May 15, Mildred García, chancellor of California State University, placed Sonoma State University President Mike Lee on administrative leave, citing his decision to “buckle to Israel boycott advocates” and send a campuswide message without the appropriate approvals.  She stated the school’s “heart and mission” was to “create an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone we serve​, not to marginalize one community over another.” It is time for our presidents to stop buckling!
Carol Oberg
Ventura