How about doing something that actually matters? Or is your patriotism really that shallow and jingoistic?

As a veteran (US Navy) of the 1991 Gulf War, I can personally vouch for the efficacy of sending letters and/or books, magazines, whatever, to “Any Service Member.” The mail we got from well-wishing citizens back home was really appreciated. A million flag stickers (or magnets, or whatever) on cars here at home aren’t worth one box of old paperback books sent to servicemen/women overseas who need something to read. Those wretched magnets have zero to do with “supporting the troops.”

• Christopher Schroen