Editor Times-Union: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in our nation's capital recognizes the service and sacrifice of the 58,175 men and eight women who lost their lives in the 14-year war. Commonly known as "The Wall," their names are inscribed on its 140 black granite panels. When taken together, the rows of names are staggering and a roll call of the agony of war.
For millions, the Memorial has become a place of healing. Remembrances are left beneath the names of the loved ones - flowers, letters, dog tags, jungle boots, POW-MIA bracelets, even a wedding ring. Someone left a low tiger cage constructed of bamboo with broken glass on the bottom to show the world how a captured American soldier was forced to crouch and live as a prisoner of the North Vietnamese. Not even animals are subjected to such cruelty.
More than 30,000 mementos have been left since 1982, when the Memorial was dedicated. Each evening, the National Park rangers gather the tokens of remembrance and a display of them is in the National Museum of American History. It is a grievous, heart-wrenching exhibit to see. One turns away wondering how President Johnson could have committed 60,000 sons, husbands, fathers, daughters to such a senseless endeavor. Could it be that if those who send our youth had to serve on the front lines, there would be other ways of settling our differences?
Berniece H. Dwyer Milford
Amtrak
Editor, Times-Union: One of the pleasures of traveling AMTRAK is the time en route to visit with other travelers.
Sitting behind me were girls from the eighth grade class of the Heritage Christian School of Iowa City, Iowa. They were on their class trip headed for a week of sightseeing in Washington. One of their sponsors told me that they had earned the money for their trip by selling door knockers and by babysitting. They took AMTRAK's California Zephyr to Chicago and there boarded the Capitol Limited for the 180-hour trip to Washington's Union Station. They had studied the Holocaust and seeing the Holocaust Memorial was on their agenda.
While enjoying the Allegheny Mountains with their late snow cover in the Superliner's Viewing Lounge, I met a family from Logansport also headed for sightseeing in D.C. A couple from western Canada had taken AMTRAK's Empire Builder from Spokane, Wash., to Chicago and there boarded the Capitol Limited bound for Washington for a week of sightseeing. She spoke favorably of AMTRAK's special facilities which her amputee husband needed.
Yes, it takes a little longer to get there via AMTRAK, but visiting with other travelers en route is rewarding.
Berniece H. Dwyer Milford
Speigle Speaks
Editor, Times-Union: To: David Kolbe, Dan Spalding, Don Zolman, Michael Coon, Jenette Fairchild, Angela Frye:
Re: Dating Dynamics I would like to say that when the case in question is tried and reviewed, all allegations examined, and you actually take the time to learn the facts - a simple apology will suffice.
Sgt. Michael Speigle Winona Lake Editor's note: Michael Speigle was contacted about the issue and declined comment prior to publication of the story.
Remembering Pop
Editor Times-Union: On March 15, I lost a friend without having the opportunity of saying good-bye. Because of bypass surgery preceded and followed by complications, friends and family thought it unwise to tell me about his death until later.
Most of Warsaw knew him either by sight or by name. I used to kid him about his many names. To some he was Woodrow, Speck or Mr. Hoskins. A few called him Dad, gramps, uncle or brother. To me, he was "Pop." He was a common, ordinary man, not perfect, but even ordinary people can make an impact on the lives of others.
Pop never appeared to be the successful businessman that he was. He didn't dress fancy, live fancy or drive a fancy car. He wasn't always the most popular person in all situations, but that wasn't important to him. He was hard working with a commitment to his Lord and his family. He also had the word "forgiveness" in his vocabulary.
As a boy growing up in Kentucky, he sometimes created jealousies among the neighbor kids because he knew what he wanted and knew how to work to get it. As a marine, he was the "different" guy because he didn't spend weekend passes out drinking. In this day of broken homes, his commitment and love for his family was something very special. I used to marvel at how in tune he was to his wife's comings and goings. and he would use the term "my wife" as though it were a term of great endearment. He used to complain about how spoiled the kids and grandkids were, but instantly there would be that grin and twinkle in his eye that told you he wouldn't do anything different, even if he could do it all over again.
Besides his family, he had a commitment to his Lord. To Pop, the saddest thing in life was based on Matthew 24:40-44. He wanted everyone to be ready. You were saddened by the mistakes you felt you had made, but we still learned from you, Pop. And I didn't really lose you. ... I know just where you are, and I'll see you later.
