I am writing in regard to veterans exemptions on home property taxes. First, I think the state should be helping out municipalities with this issue. Second, as a father with a son soon to be deployed overseas and as the son of a man who spent over six years in the jungles of Burma (Myanmar) during WWII, I am totally in favor of an exemption for our veterans.

The only problem I have with it is that, in what I am reading in the papers, I do not see a clause anywhere that gives any consideration to those who served or are serving in the clandestine services of our country. The only recognition these brave men and women receive if they are KIA is a flag at a small ceremony given to their family (that is classified by the way) and in some, not all cases, a star on a wall in Langley, VA.

Unfortunately these men and women have to sign a non-discloser agreement with the United States government—meaning that should they ever discuss what they did for our country they can be prosecuted and risk forfeiting the pensions they have earned in addition to loss of rank and or title.

I think that members of the silent services deserve the same recognition as all veterans. Unfortunately that is not going to happen.

Harold Kelly

Durham, NY