To the Editor:

It saddened me to read Pat Collins’ letter in Friday’s paper. I am sure Pat is aware that the US Army, on June 14, 2025,
will be celebrating its 250th birthday. So why would Pat say that President Trump was spending $100 million for a military
parade to celebrate his birthday? Evidently Trump Derangement Syndrome has overwhelmed Pat’s sense of honesty.

I know this is a bit long, but I would like you to read what President Trump said regarding Holy Week leading up to Easter:

“This Holy Week Melania and I join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ--- the living Son of God who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of Heaven for
all of humanity.

It begins with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and culminating in the Paschal Triduum, which begins
on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lords Supper, following by Good Friday , and reaching its pinnacle in the Easter
Vigil on Holy Saturday night. This week is a time of reflection for Christians to memorialize Jesus’ crucifixion--- and to
prepare their hearts, minds, and souls for His miraculous Resurrection from the dead.

During this sacred week, we acknowledge that the glory of Easter Sunday cannot come without the sacrifice Jesus Christ made
on the cross. In His final hours on Earth, Christ willingly endured excruciating pain, torture, and execution of the cross
out of a deep and abiding love for His creation. Through His suffering, we have redemption. Through His death, we are
forgiven of our sins. Through His resurrection we have hope of eternal life.

On Easter morning, the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and light prevails over darkness—signaling that death does
not have the final word.

This Holy Week my administration renews its promise to defend the Christian faith in our schools, military, workplaces,
hospitals, and halls of government. We will never waver in safeguarding the right to religious liberty, upholding the
dignity of life, and protecting God in our public square.

As we focus on Christ’s redeeming sacrifice, we look to His love, humility, and obedience—-even in life’s most difficult
and uncertain moments. This week we pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our beloved nation. We pray that
America will remain a beacon of faith, hope, and freedom for the entire world, and we pray to achieve a future that
reflects the truth, beauty, and goodness of Christ’s eternal kingdom in Heaven

May God bless you and your family during this special time of year and may He continue to bless the United States of
America.”

I hope President Trump’s message with dispel some of the doom and gloom we are so used to from the mainstream media.

Dave Johnson,

Fillmore, Ca.