Promote peace, rather than militarism

I see (“Appreciating American Heroes,” CR, July 1) that you have sub-contracted your design graphics to the American Legion. But I suppose the cover page is consistent with the silence of our priests and Catholic schools.

Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI condemned the U.S. military action in Iraq. The U.S. bishops determined that the U.S. military action in Iraq fails to comply with the “just war” standards.

Two popes and our U.S. Bishops took a stand that, if acted upon by American Catholics, would have dramatically reduced the number of young Catholics (and others) who have died, or who are suffering tragically, from U.S. militarism.