Both of my parents were in World War II. My mother was an army nurse, my father, a lieutenant colonel. They are both buried in Arlington National Cemetery, each having met the criteria for eligibility on their own.

When asked why they would choose to risk their lives by going to war, both of their answers would be some variation of feeling that they had no choice. They had to help the underdogs, help fend off the bullies. They were trying to simplify it for their young children. They are true heroes to me.

They would be shocked to learn that we are the first country in history to willingly hand over our democracy.

Kathleen McGovern

Northampton