Letter to the Editor

Your View 1/22: Show respect

Wednesday, January 22, 2003

I am writing to you with regard to your editorial of Jan. 19, concerning the removal of the Confederate flag from Missouri State historic sites.

As many of your readers may be aware, in 1974, the Central Intelligence Agency attempted to recover a sunken Soviet submarine from the floor of the Pacific Ocean. During the operation the remains of a number of Soviet crewmen were recovered from the wreckage of the submarine.

On board the U.S. salvage vessel named the Glomar Explorer, the CIA conducted a funeral service. During the service the Soviet national anthem was played and Soviet naval ensigns draped the bodies of the dead submarine crewmen.

Even during the most tense days of the Cold War the United States treated the dead Soviet sailors with the dignity and respect that they were due. I believe it is disgraceful that Gov. Bob Holden, Rep. Dick Gephardt, or anyone else would deny that same level of dignity and respect to Confederate soldiers from Missouri.

Sam Story Jr. Sikeston, MO 63801