On Wednesday I saw the return of the remains of 55 service members at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Vice President Mike Pence was there and gave a speech honoring the return of the 55 from North Korea.

As I watched the flag-draped caskets taken from two C-17s, I thought about what could have been these men’s lives had they not been killed in North Korea.

These fallen servicemen would have been killed between 1951 and 1953. I was born in 1952. All of my experiences in life, none of these men were able to experience. My life began when their lives ended.

I felt a sadness for these brave men and their families, and I wondered if these men knew how they were being honored.

The man sitting to my right wore a Medal of Honor ribbon on his impeccable military uniform. As I looked out on the flag-covered caskets, I thanked God that America has men like him and the 55 that were being honored this day, in the land of the free and home of the brave.

Daniel Louis

Aiea

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RIMPAC needed to protect freedoms

Gerry James’ complaint that RIMPAC in Hawaii “makes none of us safer” is far from the truth (“War exercises not right for Hawaii,” Star Advertiser, Letters, July 27).

As part of a union of states, Hawaii must contribute its share to the security of the whole country. Military experience shows that exercises provide expertise, coordination and execution skills that enhance success in actual war, humanitarian and emergency environmental operations. Exercises in Hawaii also show adversaries in the region that the combined forces of the participating countries will be prepared for any challenge, particularly war.

Military exercises may seem inconvenient or abusive, but we need to consider them as part of the cost of preparing to fight for and to preserve our freedoms.

Russel A. Noguchi

Pearl City

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Hardly a complaint about DMV service

Folks, stop grumbling about the long wait at the DMV. It’s a very reasonable wait if you make an appointment first.

My appointment was for Friday, July 13 at 11:20 a.m. Yes, it was crowded, but my total wait for license renewal from start to finish was about 1 1/2 hours and I was out of there.

The DMV staff was quick and efficient and my appointment was relatively on time. I just received my permanent license in the mail. My only complaint is I wish my picture looked younger! Kudos to the DMV!

Judy Lee

Kakaako

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Ige wrong to OK medical marijuana

Why I won’t vote for Gov. David Ige this time around: By signing the medical marijuana bill into law, he is only influencing the younger kids in Hawaii about one of the benefits of this drug. They constantly see it on TV as well as in the newspapers.

His wife being a educator, along with the rest of the teachers, always stressed the dangers of this drug. Sorry, but this shows he has no “Kintoma.”

Mason Takeshita Sr.

Moanalua

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Ed Case a lobbyist, Blue Dog Democrat

It can be said that we have the best Congress money can buy. It is money that runs Congress and not the will of the people.

In the 1st Congressional District, Ed Case is asking us to send him back to Congress. He says, “Since my prior service, our political system in D.C. has become even more deeply broken and is failing to provide the leadership to guide our country through these critical times.”

Yet Case is a lobbyist representing special interests. His list of donors, which includes the Blue Dog PAC, reads like he represents the GOP. The Blue Dogs are Democrats in name only. If Case ran on the GOP ticket in Hawaii, he surely would not get elected. So he goes the deceptive route of the Blue Dog.

I urge all people to vote and vote for the man who vows not to take special-interest money. We need a man who will walk the talk and take on the influence of money in our politics. That man is Kaniela Ing.

Richard Bennett

Honaunau, Hawaii island

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Characteristics of the best candidates

The current president, who is older, riddled with ethics problems and with few connections here, is in many ways opposite of the last administration, the most popular ever in Hawaii.

While executive offices are likely to be held by someone older, citizens looking for real change should elect candidates in legislative seats with the following characteristics (from highest to lowest priority): 1) no ethics violations; 2) age 35 or younger; 3) women; 4) spent the most years in Hawaii.

Clean ethical records are the best proof of authenticity and responsibility. Young candidates bring fresh, innovative ideas. Women bring balance to the current male majority of politicians. To better understand Hawaii, it helps to have spent as many years here possible.

Each election helps determine the future: To move forward, we need energy, vision, aloha.

We need young ethical people deeply rooted to Hawaii with courage to stand for you.

Anthony Chang

Chinatown

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Hawaiian should have made statue

The statue of King Kamehameha III was outsourced to the mainland. The king is in Western- style military attire.

It is a slap in the face of any Hawaiian who would have loved to make this statue.

Shame to those who tell us to buy here, yet don’t do it themselves.

Admiral Richard Thomas was honored with Thomas Square. At least that hasn’t changed.

Hanna Heintz

Downtown Honolulu