The recollections of family members and friends who spent a portion of their Memorial Day making respectful visits to the gravesites of loved ones were heartfelt expressions of gratitude for that service ["Flags, parades mark holiday across Island," News, May 27]. They were also in a very real sense surrogates for others, like myself, who may not have had family members who fought in battle and may have paid the ultimate sacrifice, yet who nevertheless are beneficiaries of those heroic efforts under sometimes horrific circumstances.
Unfortunately, what this perspective also highlights is the stark contrast between those who may have done things like throwing themselves on a hand grenade to save the lives of their buddies and some elected officials whose gutless silence or inaction seems to reflect their belief that the greatest ill that could befall them is to lose the next election. In those instances, thanking someone else for their service cannot mask their own dereliction of duty.
-- Chuck Cutolo, Westbury
Thank you for the story about the Long Island Vietnam War veterans ["Six Vets, One War," News, May 26]. The U.S. government should take better care of its brave soldiers and veterans, protecting them from avoidable hazards like Agent Orange and burn pits and providing care for the difficulties they face after their time in the military.
Veterans had to fight to prove that they were harmed by Agent Orange and burn pits. Even the 9/11 first responders had to fight to prove that they were exposed to toxins.
-- Bill Olson, Westhampton
Another Memorial Day and another Truth Social post from our president "Trump honors fallen soldiers," News, May 27]. He started out with "Happy Memorial Day," a too-frequently misused greeting. Memorial Day, in spite of picnics, car sales, etc., is not a "happy" holiday. It is the day that honors those who gave their lives for a just cause. That is the reason "Taps" is played.
The president also referred to his opponents as "scum." Is this why the honored men and women gave their lives? I thought it was to preserve decency, honor, and the Constitution of the United States.
-- John Darr, Port Jefferson
I don't own a boat, but years ago, I kayaked the Nissequogue River from Stump Pond to Long Island Sound with my 7-year-old on a mother-daughter bonding trip ["After the storm, rebuild dam or let river run?", News, May 25]. During the two-hour journey, we saw abundant wildlife, dramatically changing landscapes, and architecture that reminded me of both upstate New York and South America.
The experience was so magical that we returned days later with my husband and son, who were equally charmed. So, from a family of diehard beach and lake lovers, we say: Let the river run.
-- Caroline Fanning, Amityville
As a very active outdoorsman and conservationist who hunts and fishes year-round on Long Island, I believe the dam that created Blydenburgh Lake, aka Stump Pond, needs to be rebuilt with a fish ladder immediately.
It's bad enough thousands of fish and amphibians had to die a slow death in the mudflats being cooked by the sun after the dam break, but the outdoor recreational opportunities that will be lost are incalculable: young children denied the thrill of landing their first sunnie, kids trying to catch frogs, families unwinding in a canoe or rowboat.
Of course, there are detrimental economic effects as well: boat rental fees, fishing licenses, nightcrawler and bait purchases.
Not rebuilding the dam with a fish ladder is only going to hurt people just trying to enjoy outdoor time after work or on the weekends with our families.
-- Matt Sweeney Sr., Floral Park
We are disappointed that the article highlighted one side of the debate while giving less attention to those who've actively cared for Stump Pond and Blydenburgh Park for decades. It was narrowly focused and aligned with a narrative favoring dam removals across the country, often without regard for local history, usage, or ecology.
Long Island Bassmasters and the Stump Pond Restoration Coalition are advocates for responsible stewardship, public access, and preserving a shared outdoor legacy. Conservation and recreation can coexist. Any discussion about Stump Pond must include those who use and understand it.
-- James R. Jonke, Shoreham