Mispronounced names evidence of poor planning

To the editor:

I am a very patriotic person. I served in the U.S. military for eight years, not for college or any reason except that I love this country. Watching the 9-11 memorial on CBS Wednesday morning, I was appalled at the coordination of this event. Out of every 10 names, one was missed. Of the remaining nine, half were butchered. It touches me deeply that this is being done.

Would it not be better to plan something like this with more detail? After all, this effects every man, woman and child in America. Every nationality, race and religion in this great nation cannot afford to forget this day. And to have the service so poorly conducted is not a minor mess-up. It is a slap in the face to all Americans. The coordinators could have given the names to the readers in advance and let them practice so that the names are pronounced correctly and none are skipped.

Can you imagine how it must feel, not just for the average American, but for the family members of the Americans who died in the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001? To have this day given no more effort than would be given for a family day at Wal-Mart is an insult.

DEREK SCHWENDEMANN

Cape Girardeau