13 JULY 1985, Page 20

US Marines

Sir: When President Reagan said that the streets of Heaven are guarded by the United States Marines, he was not, as Christopher Hitchens would have it ('Hel- lish week for America', 29 June), indulging in apocalyptic prophecy, but was express- ing a sentiment taken directly from the US Marine Corps hymn. As such, it was an appropriate benediction for the funeral of an American serviceman.

H. W. Crooker III 71 Prince's Court, SW3