I COULD not let the letter from Alan Rayner November 17, 'sad reflection on the original purpose' pass without writing a reply. Those cadets carried token 'arms' to represent the conflicts, and salute the victims, and did not in any way 'glorify' war. Th

I COULD not let the letter from Alan Rayner November 17, 'sad reflection on the original purpose' pass without writing a reply. Those cadets carried token 'arms' to represent the conflicts, and salute the victims, and did not in any way 'glorify' war. The Sea Cadet Band including my son led a largely military parade through Weston, which shows that some of today's youth will accept and respect discipline, unlike so many others. As David Evans letter states, many youngsters gave up their Sunday morning to take part. Many cadets have also given up social time to help commemorate their losses during the 1939-1945 conflict.It is wonderful cadets have this attitude, and I thank the staff and committees at TS Weston who give my son and other cadets the commitment and time that makes the Sea Cadets such a wonderful opportunity for those who wish to partake. Whilst I do not have personal experience of the ATC or Army cadets, I am certain that the same ethos prevails.I and all the British population can only be grateful that Mr Rayner's attitude did not prevail in 1939. Let us encourage all our youth to respect, and learn from our past. Peace must be our ultimate goal, but not at any cost.DAN STANFORD (A proud Sea Cadet Father)Wigmore Gardens, Weston