Remember those who served nation
As I reflect on the voices of family members who were World War II veterans, and my own, as a volunteer to Vietnam while in the military, the cause was the same: duty for America, our families, and to help in another country. My purpose was to also understand our role, and to be able to communicate my feelings.
I learned: Memorial Day is a constant.
Not only do those who serve pass on in war, those who have served in war zones pass on at home, many because of injuries from war. In recognizing this, my prayers are each day for veterans and their families. The memory of others keeps the internal light glowing, and we must all work toward building peace through communication. In this way, we will recognize that wars can be in the past.
LOUIS COHEN, WOODSTOCK
Roadside crosses are bearing witness
Driving in Doraville this morning near the public library, I had a very moving surprise. Many crosses lined Park Avenue and New Peachtree Road. Each was labeled with the name of a soldier and which war he or she perished in. Each marker was topped with an American flag. Like most people, I forget in my busy daily life how many soldiers have died in wars to protect our freedom. I found this unexpected memorial a moving way to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.
JONI PELTA, ATLANTA
Preserve Fulton libraries, hours
Fulton County recently cut back funding for the library system. As a result, part-time employees have been terminated, and hours of operation have been drastically reduced. Now, the library opens at 10 a.m. Mondays, 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, noon Thursdays, closed Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays. It is not unusual to find confused patrons standing at the library doors trying to determine what day it is and when they can get in the library.
Fulton is building new libraries in Alpharetta and Milton. The two facilities will be three miles apart. Obviously, the funds are available for facilities, but the new facilities will have limited staff, limited hours and, in all probability, limited selections of new books.
The library in Alpharetta is always full. Summer programs for children’s reading programs are a major draw. New immigrants to the area keep the computers occupied full time. It is a shame to gut a working system that all residents enjoy.
STAR VOIGT, MILTON
MARTA misfires with new service
MARTA rolled out its new service-oriented schedule this week. As I made trips for business and Braves games several times already, I can say the incapable, inefficient, inept and incompetent were on full display. The intolerable "service" included long delays, crowded trains and long waits after 9 p.m. for "transfer" service for North Springs trains. MARTA CEO Keith Parker has the best intentions, but he has run into resistance — for example, a driver announcing to frustrated travelers, "If you don't like the new service, make sure you complain to headquarters." Many customers within my earshot said, "Never again."
HOWARD R. EVANS, ATLANTA
