I watched “Saving Private Ryan” on Memorial Day. In that movie, a family lost three of their four sons and it made me think of my sons. I have three serving in the Army — one just back from Afghanistan, one in Kuwait and one who is a patient at Walter Reed Hospital.

When I see the special programs for Memorial Day, the only thing I think of is the safety of my sons.

I served in the Marine Corps; my father served in the Navy. We served to keep this country free, according to the Constitution.

I hope that the men and women who died for this country didn’t die in vain.

William Lutz, Auburn