To the Editor:

Sergeant Jason Lantieri did not choose to die at all, much less so near Election Day. His family did not select this season for their grief. This “inconvenient” timing should not – must not – prevent us from noting Killingworth’s sad official failure, among so many heartfelt civic and personal tributes, to honor one of our own.  There is no political agenda here.

First Selectman Marty Klein’s conspicuous absence from the viewing, funeral service, roadside tribute and burial ceremony disgraced Killingworth at a time when the eyes of the state and the nation were upon us.

Sgt. Lantieri served his country with honor. Killingworth came forward to honor him and support his grieving family.  Mr. Klein, our official representative, served neither this town nor honor by neglecting his duty.  Sgt. Lantieri certainly did not neglect his.

Fortunately, Killingworth was well represented by the overwhelming majority of those who hold elective and appointed office and by the outpouring of sorrow and support from everyone in town. Even this, however, cannot entirely compensate for Mr. Klein’s lapse. I, for one, am deeply ashamed, as all of us should be.

Our neighbors the Millers, and all Sgt. Lantieri’s family and friends, deserve better.

Gwenne Lally