I have never written a letter to the editor before but have read them every day. But I could not let this one go without doing something.

I am very upset right now. My son is home on leave from the Marine Corps and is doing recruiting duty. We, as a family, are very proud of him for what he has accomplished!

He was at the mall talking to people, and while talking to this kid, old enough to be looking at what he wants to do, his mother came up and slapped my son across the face and yelled at him. We all have our own opinions about the military and what it means but that does not give anyone the right to go up to anyone and slap them. That could be considered assault. I am ashamed of some people in this town right now that this person thinks that she can do whatever she wants.

What would that mother think or feel if someone came up to her son and slapped him? I do not push my views on people and would never think of slapping anyone for theirs. Our troops need our support not this. They are doing their job. They have enough of people doing things to them in other places. They should have support of their town and our own country. We all have the right to our own opinions but physically slapping someone for their views is going too far.

Debra Silva

Albert Lea