Geraldine Gorman's description of her colleagues' opposition to the war in Iraq ("Are We Ready Yet?" Viewpoint, January) made me think about the effect nurses could have if they organized similar actions. Since Nurses Week and Mother's Day are back to back in May, we could use Mother's Day as an opportunity to express a united nurses' voice.

Mother's Day was started after the Civil War by women who lost their sons in the war. Although it didn't become a national holiday until 1914, Mother's Day meant fighting for various causes and spreading the idea of peace, motherhood, womanhood, and improved social conditions for women. Howe's 1870 Mother's Day Proclamation, her response to the Franco-Prussian War, would still carry a lot of meaning today. As she put it: "Our sons [and daughters] shall not be taken from us to unlearn/All that we have taught them of charity, mercy, and patience. We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country/To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

This war is not just. The mourning cries of families throughout the globe are as agonizing as the cries here, and we need to nurture peace. So this Mother's Day, instead of sending cards, flowers, and presents, organize or attend a peace rally. Send letters to the president and Congress and tell them that we need a plan now. We must honor and respect all the parents and children around the world who have been affected by war.

Martha Trudeau, MPA, RN, CPHQ

Philadelphia

My son-in-law, Leif Nott, was killed in action on July 30, 2003, in Iraq. He was an intelligent man who graduated from West Point and spoke five languages. He was educated, well trained, and not a child, as Gorman suggests. He knew there was evil in this world, and he was ready and willing to give all to stop its spread. It's been a long time since September 11, 2001, and many have forgotten the innocent souls murdered on our soil. Leif believed in his mission, and I believe in it too. Otherwise, his life was lost in vain. Gorman and her group can protest the war for "one hour every week," and I will continue to pray 24 hours a day for our courageous soldiers' victory and return home to a nation proud and grateful for a job well done.

Debra Hurley, BSN, RN

Radcliff, KY

My wife, Ruth Hansten, who also has a PhD and is an RN, showed me Geraldine Gorman's excellent column, and I just have to thank Gorman for her courage. Ruth and I also try to speak out as much as possible (marches, letters to editors, and so on), and I'm hopeful that we will achieve a critical mass soon.

Philip Hansten, PharmD

Seattle

As a nurse and officer in the U.S. Navy, I serve with some of the most dedicated men and women of our nation. I have the privilege of caring for wounded American soldiers, who have shown me the beauty of the soul despite the sadness of war. I cannot think of any of them expressing regret for serving our country, and despite their injuries, they are disappointed to be separated from their fellows. I have seen corpsmen leave the hospital and return to Iraq. They fight to uphold our freedoms; they fight so we can stand on a street corner and oppose what they sacrifice for us.

I understand the war opposition. But in opposing those who fight for our freedoms, do we take that freedom for granted and forget the sacrifices they make? As a nurse, I'm willing go wherever I'm needed to care for the men and women of the United States who serve in the military.

Audra Sykes, BSN, RN

Bethesda, MD

As a medic who served honorably in the military in the 1980s, I thank Gorman for her courage in expressing her views. The essence of nursing is to instill hope and offer compassion.

James Czarkowski

Lansing, MI

I'm a committed pacifist, and the daily reports of carnage in the Middle East and elsewhere remind me of how little we have learned from history. Armed conflict doesn't stop evil.

I was not aware of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) position statement. I now know I am not alone in my beliefs. I work with a small, nonprofit breast cancer research and education organization, where I use my experience as a breast cancer survivor. I'm constantly reminded of the value of human life as patients struggle with cancer. Over the past few years we've watched funding for cancer research and treatment dwindle, as resources are redirected to escalate military action. It's sad that lawmakers allocate funds to destroy lives rather than support research that could save lives.

Ginny Mason, BSN, RN

Goshen, IN

I admire Gorman's ability to take her readers straight into her anguished heart. The strength of the article is not so much in her opinion on the violence in Iraq (not an uncommon one these days), but rather in her confidence to call to the rest of us nurses. I caught myself asking Gorman, "What can we do?" And then I realized she had already shown us.

I also admire the fact that Gorman's photo is placed next to her crucial question: "Who are we if we do not speak out against this violence and suffering?" I am proud that the premier nursing journal published such an important piece. Please keep it up.

Madeleine Mysko, MA, RN

Baltimore, MD

As a former Army medic and an LVN who proudly served for almost 10 years, I am now an RN planning on returning to active service. I believe that since the days of Florence Nightingale, nurses have served in the military not only to treat injured personnel but also to alleviate the suffering of civilian casualties. Nightingale understood that war is inevitable, and it is nurses' duty to alleviate as much of the resulting suffering as we can.

Joseph Dowell, RN

El Paso, TX

Geraldine Gorman's viewpoint struck a chord in me. Being a nurse does not allow me to dictate warfare. No one likes war but, at times, it is necessary. I don't like the idea of people suffering, but I support our troops and what our country is trying to do. What about the suffering that Saddam Hussein inflicted, or does that not count because he wasn't killing Americans? The ICN position statement, which "strongly opposes armed conflict under any circumstances," is absurd. Gorman enjoys America and all its benefits and, thanks to our soldiers, she is able to go out and "stand together in witness and in opposition to the devastation enacted in our names."

Penny Jones, RN

Newport, NC

I'm a nurse whose son is in the military, and I feel compelled to write on this issue. Most agree that war is horrific. But how can we stop terrorism and human rights violations without a military response? Immediate withdrawal from Iraq could have terrible consequences if Islamic fundamentalism propagates in the region. Murders will increase; human rights, especially those of women, will be violated; hatred of other religions will intensify; and the security of Israel and the West will be threatened. American withdrawal would ensure a grave injustice.

As a nation we are able economically and militarily to defend the weak, provide for the poor, and promote self-determination throughout the world. Is this wrong? If America retreats from the challenges of terrorism and human rights suppression, who else will meet these challenges that are sure to continue?

Patricia A. Jacobson, MSN, APNP

Black River Falls, WI

Geraldine Gorman responds: We are able to defend the weak, provide for the poor, and promote self-determination, and this ability motivates many to offer their services in military conflicts. But I do not accept this as the basis for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which are fueled by the misguided desire for vengeance and profit.

In opposing this ignoble war we ask for an end to the terror being visited upon children-ours and theirs. May our grandchildren live to know a different world, one defined by a desire for peace rather than profit. And may your son be safe.