OPINION:
The Department of Veterans Affairs just removed a cross from one of their clinics in Austin, Texas, which displayed five emblems of the U.S. military forces: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard (“Texas VA clinic removes ‘Remember Our Veterans’ metal cross after watchdog complains,” Web, March 20). It’s a good move since many military groups can’t decide how many uniformed forces there are.
The Defense Department says there are seven: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, Marine Corps and National Guard. The United States Code says there are eight: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, Marine Corps, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
A well-known military website, Military.com, says there are six: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force. Their list is in alphabetical order.
The key word is “uniformed.” All of the above wear uniforms. As far as who is included, maybe they should all get together and decide.
KATHLEEN C. RICHARDSON
Leander, Texas
