I found your article, "Herndon Climb Holds The Grease" (May 25), to be not only amusing but indicative of how introducing substitutions for either safety or political correctness destroys the spirit and symbolism of traditions. I believe that the Sea Trials are important, but what holds fast in the participant's mind is the unconventionality of an activity such as climbing the greased Herndon Monument.

To me, it represents similar events and imitations that I have participated in with my life. More symbolic then practical, it represents a combining of mutual forces with self sacrifice and mutual dedication to achieve an objective, even if others don't see the spirit and logic of it. I find it ironic that each officer is asked to potentially give their life for the country yet be removed from personally fruitful traditions because of safety or political considerations.

Michael W. Kohlman, Parkville