The US came to our assistance in 1914-18 and again in 1939-45. True, the wars were a couple of years old in both cases but, even before entering the war, the US supplied us and supported this country.

As a 16-year-old seaman, I was welcomed there with open arms as a hero and they couldn't do enough for the brave men who faced the U-boats.

I have many misgivings about US business, which is ruthless in its pursuit of profit, but my impression of most of the people I have met there is warm, brash and welcoming.

The pursuit of Osama bin Laden is justified, not just for September 11 but also as a reminder to those who wish to emulate him in the future that there is no hiding place for them.

I feel sorrow for the people of Afghanistan who have to endure the bombing.

There are no such things as military targets. People of my generation in our cities had to endure night after night of hell, as did the citizens of German cities.

We had no say but to back our country and its way of life. And, by the way, there were quite a few Yanks over here fighting long before their country came into the war.

-J Phillips, Greenacres, Shoreham