IT was inevitable that my attempt to provide a serious response to Mr Spiteri based on an extensive knowledge of military history would be met by his trademark hysterical bombast in reply (You Say, May 12.)

My earlier letter, accurately pointing out the impact that the US forces had on the two world wars does just that and nothing else. He really should learn that repetitive rhetoric is no substitute for reasoned argument.

Without the United States, these islands would almost certainly have been occupied by the Axis powers.

Totalitarian regimes do not allow a "letter to the editor" feature in state-controlled newspapers - and there are no other kind.

The Americans' sacrifice helped preserve this feature in all our lives, including Mr Spiteri's.

During my business career, I have been privileged to live and work in many countries, including the United States but have always chosen to make my home in England.

The United States has many pleasant attributes, including an elected head of state, two wholly elected legislatures and a freedom of information act, features of day-to-day life that our nation would do well to follow. Certainly, inedible 'burgers, tasteless beer and dreadful TV are the downside but they are optional.

His comments about Armistice Day simply demean our war dead and further expose his own ignorance. On Armistice day the Cenotaph is draped only with blood red poppies, the symbol in the Western World of respect for the fallen. Yes, the USA has also adopted this British creation.

I shall be spending November 11 at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Just as I will be spending June 6 at Pegasus Bridge and July 1 at Thiepval on the Somme.

These are places that are very familiar to British people but much less so to those from the USA. Do join me in the simple acts of remembrance Mr Spiteri, but please drop the "little Englander" pose.

These services are not nationalistic. The war dead are beyond caring. Those of us who survived the Second World War are grateful for the help we received from all the allies, including the USA.

BARRIE DOBSON,

Fernhill Heath, Worcester.