This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It was disheartening to read that Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch chose a Memorial Day service to make a partisan political speech ("Honoring the fallen, with a splash of politics mixed in," May 27).
Honoring the dead, our veterans and those who presently serve should unify, not divide us. They represent every ethnicity, gender, religion and political party. The strength of our nation lies in their willingness to serve together.
Apparently, Sen. Hatch cannot resist the urge to make a political speech whenever and wherever Utahns gather. I find it disrespectful that he would use a solemn event for political ends. A career politician? Yes. Elder statesman? No.
Thalia Smart
Salt Lake City