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Re: the June 11 photo captioned "Proper goodbye for flags."

I was disappointed by the lack of coverage in the Star of the Casas Adobes Elks Lodge No. 2663 Flag Day ceremony, which was held on June 10.

The day's events included a ceremony to honor our American flag. This covered the history of the flag since its conception. Participating were members of Elks Lodge 2663, Boy Scouts Troop 209, American Legion Post 73 and Northwest Fire Station 31. Approximately 600 flags were collected from grave sites, veterans hospital and private citizens. They were properly retired by members of American Legion and the Boy Scouts. In appreciation for all they do for the community, we honored firefighters from Northwest Fire Station 31 with a steak dinner.

In view of what is happening in the world today with the lack of respect for our country and service personnel, it seems that patriotism is being ignored. As a veteran of the Vietnam War, I find this very disheartening. I feel the Star had a great opportunity to cover this important ceremony and failed.

The addition of a Wal-Mart Supercenter at The Marketplace of Oro Valley does nothing for Oro Valley residents and, paradoxically, while immediately increasing retail sales, reduces its potential sales-tax revenues.

Oro Valley residents were assured by Vestar that the development would enhance the mix of retail shopping and services available in Oro Valley and also attract business from residents of other communities.

While its low prices are welcome, Wal-Mart is unwelcome in many areas. To offset its unfavorable reputation, it engages in massive public relations and political lobbying efforts in order to secure building sites. It is seen as providing customers with bare-bones products and services by exploiting workers, exploiting overseas suppliers, and disrupting community retailing and life.

Vestar was awarded millions in tax abatement. That deal is not transparent and is perhaps a matter for investigation by the state Attorney General's office.

Why doesn't Arizona adopt highway safety rules like Oregon, California and other states that require tractor-trailer trucks to stay in the right lane except briefly for passing? There are also reduced speed limits on those behemoths because it takes them so much longer to maneuver and stop safely.

Bring Arizona into the 21st century and current with other states, which have found this road law provides better visibility for cars and has the added benefit of fewer truck-car encounters.

What could possibly be the objection to safer travel on Arizona highways?

So another sports team bites the Tucson dust ("Opinion by Greg Hansen: Winders strike out," June 12).

Greg Hansen attributes the Sidewinders' demise to a lack of community support, but I think he should look in the mirror before casting blame. He says owner Jay Zucker tried a variety of PR stunts to engage the public such as free baby-sitting, a sports bar, pet days, cheap beer, and kids' rides. But who knew about these activities? Doesn't the Star have a responsibility to keep the public informed about community events?

Judging from the Star's sports coverage, you'd think only UA sports, in particular football and basketball, exist here. I have repeatedly called Hansen, requesting full and fair coverage of non-UA teams and events. My requests always fell on deaf ears. So, Mr. Hansen, let's see you step up to the plate and share in some of the responsibility for Tucson's significant loss of sports diversity and talent.