To the editor:

As I watched the news Thursday evening, I saw the joyful reunions of returning soldiers from Afghanistan and their families, remembering when our son, Karl, returned home from Afghanistan on Thanksgiving Day, 2009. By 5:30 p.m. our entire family was eating dinner together, giving thanks.

Now soldiers will be with their families to celebrate the Fourth of July, a time to be thankful for our freedoms preserved because of the brave.

Let us also remember the many people who are still struggling to win freedom from governments ruled by terrorist groups. Although much of the news reported only the number of dead and wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, Karl witnessed first hand how appreciative the ordinary people and the soldiers were for our help.

“The Afghanistan interpreters risked their lives to help us,” Karl said.” When we were in Iraq, we were admired and respected by the people, and the men we trained to be soldiers.”

Now t Afghanistan interpreters are in danger of being hunted down and killed with their families. Many who served previously, have come to our country, having been sponsored by US troops. Let us pray that places of safety will be found for those still in Afghanistan.

Their service should also not be forgotten.

Trudy Madetzke

Marshall