I have followed with interest your articles regarding the troop greeters at Bangor International Airport. To my surprise and amazement, I learned that my son, Bruce Michael Binda, a 26-year career naval man, had been assigned to ground forces in Iraq.

On May 20, my family and I made the trip to Bangor where he had a short layover. I watched as greeters lined both sides of the gate and shook the hand of each young man and woman as they deplaned. I overheard, “Thank you, good luck, God bless you,” and many other words of encouragement and consolation.

After an all-too-short visit it was time for that last goodbye. I stood with tears in my eyes and watched my son walk away. Suddenly I was embraced by two greeters who stood and cried with me.

I have always opposed the war Iraq. I deplore sending these youngsters off to face the unspeakable atrocities of any armed conflict and yet, meeting and seeing these service people, I was filled with pride. They are the “best of us.”

I returned home with a new feeling of warmth. Bangor is a city with heart and those greeters have mine. They are in my prayers as I count the days until May 2007 when my son is scheduled to return.

Eleanor McKeary

Lubec