SIR - Regarding the theft of the plaques from the Eccleshill war memorial (T&A, September 19), the people responsible for this dastardly thing cannot have any feeling of respect or thanks for what those men laid down their lives for.

If it wasn't for the men and women who, in the past, fought for the freedom of this country, that person would not have the pleasures of life they now enjoy.

The past two generations have not been taught the recent history of Great Britain at school or at home.

I have been to other countries where the children, as part of their studies at school, are taken round the war cemeteries and face the graves of those who lie there and told that if it was not for these men and women they would not have the freedom, choice and safety that they now enjoy.

It would do the children of this country good to have the same lesson.

What is more important, a person's respect for those who laid down their lives, or the money they can get for a couple of sheets of bronze, copper or brass?

George Lefevre, The Walk, Kilburn, Belper, Derbyshire