To the Editor:

I"m confused about the Ottawa teachers need to formally apologize to veterans because the Veteran"s War Memorial in Washington Park was the background for their rally.

I am even more concerned the Veteran"s Assistance Commission"s leadership, Martin Rue, felt he needed to issue a letter to the editor stating he was "appalled" by the teachers' action. Help me understand why we (I) as a veteran who served during the Vietnam War would be appalled that someone or some group was exercising the rights that veterans fought and died for them to have, were actually being used in a public venue, with governmental permission, no less.

The same government who pays his salary. How many veterans did Mr. Rue canvass in order to determine the degree of "disgrace" the teachers were fomenting? Please explain the seeming contradiction. Is it OK for them to stand under the flag pole and rally?

As a veteran, I didn"t serve because I agreed with everything everyone stood for but for their right to stand for it.

STEVE CHAMBERLAIN

La Salle