Daily Skiff

The university got a little more personal with its observance of Veterans Day this year. Instead of limiting itself to a lunch like it did last year, staff at the Office of Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services set up a wall for members of the campus community to post messages and pictures to remember friends and family who serve or have served in the armed forces.

This initiative adds a special touch to a day that is often overlooked. But perhaps the biggest gesture on behalf of veterans is people's respect for the principles members of the military have committed their lives to protect.

The Fort Hood shooting has brought members of the military to the forefront of many people's minds. In the face of such carnage, people are quick to appeal to a sense of solidarity, patriotism and appreciation - sentiments that are usually strengthened following tragedies such as this.

However, the shooting suspect's faith has once again put the Muslim community in an unfairly precarious position. Imam Moujahed Bakhach, who works part time at a local mosque, said last week that at least two mosques in North Texas had received threats following the news of the shooting. Bakhach said he condemned the shooting as a person, a Muslim and a leader, adding that the rest of the Muslim community should not be judged based on the acts of one man.

Perhaps some people forget that Muslims such as 20-year-old Purple Heart recipient Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, who was killed in Iraq in 2007, have honorably served their country.

These mindless threats are not only an affront to the Muslim community but an insult to veterans and members of the military, who have sacrificed so much for the values this country holds dear. Intolerance and bigotry are not among them.

Managing editor Julieta Chiquillo for the editorial board.

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