I do love reading letters that start with "What gives you the right to criticize …?" in reference to "German school policy just fine" (letter, March 19). It gives all of us another chance to stop and remember our amazing soldiers who fight, not only for our right to have our ideas, but the freedom to publish them in the newspaper.

These soldiers have also given me the right to do what I do. I am an American home-school mom who came to Germany knowing that my occupation would not be understood by many.

I have loved being in Europe to let my kids enjoy learning so differently. Whether we are studying the Middle Ages, the Reformation or the Renaissance, it is so easy to give them a hands-on education like never before. But, we have also been able to show so many of our wonderful German friends and neighbors that the home-school lifestyle is not evil or contrary to a child’s, family’s or a country’s best interests.

Home schooling does not mean that we just keep our kids home and not teach them anything. If anything, it gives us the opportunity and responsibility to teach our children even more.

Thanks to our soldiers, I have the freedom to do so.

Debora GunschHeidelberg, Germany

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