Fallen Bruins should be publicly honored
As you have been made aware, the Bruin community recently lost a young member during the continued war in Iraq. 2nd Lt. Mark Daily died Jan. 15 in Mosul, Iraq.
I was compelled to write as a classmate and friend of Mark. As you can imagine, the pain of losing someone so young and full of promise has been unbearable.
The ROTC alumni who knew Mark have gathered in committee in an attempt to ensure Mark’s memory will not be forgotten at UCLA.
Although political affiliations and views on war might differ from person to person, all Bruins should strive to put the needs of others before themselves, something Mark practiced and ultimately gave his life for.
From the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Iraq, Bruins have led our country’s sons and daughters in the defense of freedom. Some, like Mark, have paid the ultimate price in their service to their country and fellow citizens of humanity.
A public acknowledgement of all those who have lived the ideal of selfless service is long overdue.
A plaque outside the main entrance of the Student Activities Center bearing Mark’s name and honoring the sacrifice of Bruins who have lost their lives in combat would help to ensure that future Bruins receive a true example of service.
Although we would like to see something more substantial than a plaque, we understand the need for humility as public servants and know that Mark would never want the spotlight narrowly focused on him.
A small plaque would allow Mark and those who came before him to be honored by all Bruins.
Someday I hope to walk my sons and daughters over to the memorial plaque after their graduation and tell them all about my friend Mark.
Jason R. Marquez
First Lieutenant,
FA Battery Executive Officer
USAC’s image not as bad as you think
In response to Katie Strickland’s column “USAC could use image makeover” (Jan. 31), we would like to clear up some of the common misconceptions that people have of the Undergraduate Students Association Council.
USAC is designed not to govern the UCLA student body but to represent the voice of UCLA students and to speak and act on issues they care about.
In this function, USAC has been very successful through its unique programming with the Social Justice Speaker Series and Community Service Day.
Incidentally, on the same day as Strickland’s column, USAC’s Rally Against Hate was featured on the front page of the Daily Bruin as part of Campus Safety Awareness Week.
With regard to our resolution concerning the conflict between Lebanon and Israel, no USAC money was spent in publishing the resolution.
It may seem impossible for us to alleviate such a huge issue, but the resolution was designed to encourage campus awareness, not to change the world.
The resolution called for relevant educational programs and dialogue among affected communities.
We do acknowledge that USAC needs to improve our image, but we also feel we are making great strides to do so.
Gregory Cendana
USAC internal vice president
Samer Araabi
USAC general representative
Farheen Malik
USAC Community Service commissioner