After all these years, we were more than pleased when the President of the United States apologized for the lack of action our government took in welcoming home the heroes who fought and shed their blood in the Vietnam conflict during a speech at Arlington Cemetery - the nation's most hallowed of hallowed grounds - last Monday.

This was a time when all of us with good sense allowed a group of radical left wingers to insult and even spit upon our returning Vietnam veterans.

For those who stood by and allowed this to happen, healing is a constant job.

For those of us who personally lived through that era and for those who fought in the horror that was that conflict, such remarks were appropriate.

Last Saturday we ran a story about one of those heroes - Tommy Clack. Captain Clack is a triple amputee who was given up for dead on numerous occasions. Upon his return home, Clack became an advocate for his fellow veterans. He recently retired after 47 years of service to his country, spending the last 18 serving as Veterans Services director for our seven-county region.

On his retirement Clack said, "I trust when I am gone, that I am remembered for giving more than I've taken. That's what I want to be remembered for in life."

Captain Tommy Clack, sir you will have no trouble being remembered for your noble goal in life.

You are a hero and it is heroes such as yourself who have made our country not only safe but great.