An e-mail from Sonoma, Calif.:

My thoughts on this matter tend to lead me to where, I think, Speaker and the Senate Majority leader are: its all about the historical precedent. At least I hope this is where they are…
Mr. Buckles’ service and the symbol of his service are certainly worthnote; and require a significant national presence at his funeral. A good use of Obama’s time for example…more so than a round of golf outat Andrews.
However, WWI vets have been and continue to be honored by the Nation at Arlington every Memorial Day with the laying of the wreath at the Tombof the Unknown (the original one) that not only honors the “unknowns”from that war but all the dead and those who served and, of course, arenow all dead, in that war. This is a big deal and should always be.
The current concern about the Capitol connection must be that where does this stop? And at what point does there become a weekly event at the Capitol? A media platform? Especially does it become the cause platform for whatever party controls Congress and the mood at the moment?
“We stand here today, next to the scorned body of (name not required) who represents all left-handed, green-eyed, cross dressers who die in hate crimes…”
I am certainly for honoring Vets at all times and in almost any way. But I think in this case a little thought and restraint might be in order.