In reference to “Dead Marine’s dad ordered to pay protesters’ court costs” (article, March 31): A few years ago I attended a military funeral for my father-in-law, a veteran of the Korean War. I have attended military funerals in the past, but I have to say I was moved in a different manner at this one. My mother-in-law sat quietly as the coffin of her husband was lowered into the ground. She very proudly accepted the crisply folded American flag containing three fired casings representing duty, honor and country. At the end of the ceremony she walked away with her head held high knowing that her husband was remembered not only by family but every citizen living under the privileges so proudly defended by every airman, soldier, sailor, Marine and Coast Guardsman.

It saddens me to see that we lower our standards so often in our country only to be laughed at by other nations. It is a slap in the face for any parent or spouse to be abused at the funeral of a loved one, even if that abuse is a presumed right under a constitution.

I [support] free speech but I think it should be used with wisdom and not naiveté. The solemnity of a funeral should not be disrupted for the sake of self-glorification. I don’t think I have ever heard of a judge tolerating any free speech profanity during a court session. Shouldn’t a cemetery during a funeral ceremony have the same legal consideration?

As far as paying the protesters’ appeals court fees, Albert Snyder, the deceased Marine’s father, should tell them to “go pound sand!”

Michael LucentoCamp Arifjan, Kuwait