As a part-time resident of Maine and otherwise resident of New Jersey, I try to keep up with news of both places. It was therefore of great interest to me to read a column in the Op-Ed section of the Dec. 24 Philadelphia Inquirer about the Bangor custom of greeting troops returning to the U.S. from duty stations overseas.

The article by Kevin Ferris of the Inquirer staff was generous in its praise of the Bangorites who leave the comfort of their homes to provide comfort to those who have been far from it for too long.

I have been at the airport to witness these homecomings and the warm outpouring of gratitude and affection extended by these greeters. Once my husband and I joined one of these lines of welcomers, and I could hardly hold back the tears as I shook hands and hugged the young men and women who were so grateful to return to a friendly environment.

It is a wonderful thing that the citizens of Bangor do, and the news of this kindness has traveled far and wide. Regardless of political persuasion and belief or lack of belief in our involvement in the current conflict, it is incumbent on all of us to support our brave troops and to express our thanks to them.

Kudos to those who cross the seas in our behalf and to those who cross town to let them know we appreciate them.

Ann Dow

Thorofare, N.J.