Admirably, The Press has recently promoted civility in our community. That message apparently didn’t get through to a reader from Coeur d’Alene who took it upon himself to besmirch the character of a patriotic retired Marine Corps officer.

The reader was critical of a published letter to the editor by Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Moore of Hayden Lake, describing an invasion of outside agitators into Coeur d’Alene two years ago to foment trouble.

They were monitored by the presence of armed locals who quietly and patiently stood by — just in case, and had previously informed the County Sheriff and Coeur d’Alene Police Departments.

No violence occurred.

Kenny Moore and his wife were eye-witnesses to the event.

That Coeur d’Alene reader sent a letter to The Press challenging the accuracy and truthfulness of the colonel’s report. Regretfully, his critical opinion was based on false assumptions.

The reader obviously does not know Colonel Moore, yet felt compelled to denigrate him in the eyes of the community.

I know Kenny Moore. He is a man of impeccable integrity and an unquestioned patriot.

He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, was a combat officer for three tours of duty in Vietnam, was wounded five times and earned a Silver Star.

We support the reader from Coeur d’Alene’s constitutional right of free speech. We do not support his shameful, inaccurate and intemperate exercise of it.

To The Press, I say: Bravo for calling for civility in our community.

To the reader from Coeur d’Alene, I say: You can tell the size of a man by the size of the things that make him angry.

To Lt. Col. Kenny Moore, I say: You are a true American hero. I am honored to know you.

Thank you for your service.

Semper Fi.

SYD ALBRIGHT

Post Falls