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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 11, 2007

A Worthy Proposal

Regarding "Civics Tests Necessary For College Applicants" (Commentary, Nov. 4):

Attorney Steve Uhlfelder must be one real smart guy to have held the chairs of three different distinguished scholarly boards. So his idea requiring young people to first pass a test on American history and government prior to enrolling at taxpayer-supported colleges and universities is to be taken seriously.

What Uhlfelder proposes is not just another novel idea; it's a very profound and practical way to ensure our young people are better prepared to confront our country's problems when the time comes for them to assume leadership roles. Few are the proposal whose time has come, and this is one of them.

For the same obvious reasons, the time has also come to take an additional step. Assuming first-time voters have not previously passed the test proposed by Uhlfelder, require them to pass the same test given to naturalized citizens.

ARCHIE MCQUAGGE

Lakeland

We Should All Care

I have been asking this question of approximately 100 people of all ages: What happened on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 a.m. in 1918?

Most of the people over the age of 60 know, but to my surprise only one out of 75 under this age knew. The replies I received were "who cares?" or "I wasn't alive then so why should I care?"

For those interested, it was the time the fighting of World War I stopped. In 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all veterans.

God Bless this country and may our youth be made aware of the importance of history.

HARVEY E. BOUCHARD JR.

Riverview

A Very Special Day
Veterans Day is a very special day when we honor all veterans, men and women, living or dead from all branches of service to our country. Perhaps this story will be an impetus for families to remember those veterans. World War II veterans who were killed and buried in American cemeteries overseas can be found listed in the WWII Registry of Remembrances at the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

I personally have found that there are many vets who have not registered in the Registry of Remembrances at the WWII Memorial. Speaking as a member of the WWII Memorial Society, my quest in life has been to encourage every WWII veteran to become registered. They have served their country well and deserve to be on record for all to see for years to come. Also, a family member or close friend may register for a veteran.

The Web site is www.wwiimemorial.com and click on the "WWII Registry" link to either search or honor a veteran. For those without a computer, call (800) 639-4992.

JACK KELLER SR.

Belleair Bluffs

To All Who Served

Americans have traditionally become soldiers not because they believed in the conflict of their time but rather because they believed in our country. As Mark Twain put it, "You support your country all the time and your government when it deserves it."

Hats off to all those who believe in our country, to the ones who did when they were needed, and the ones who do now.

DOUGLAS de VLAMING

Largo

The 'Angels On Earth'

My father passed away this week after a rollercoaster battle with cancer, yet I do not feel hopeless sorrow for his passing, but joy in the knowledge that he was cared for by our "angels on Earth" who prepared him for this journey.

These angels are the caregivers and volunteers at our local hospices; in my father's case, the Bay Pines VA hospice and Ellenton VA clinic. Forgive me, but the list is too long to single out a few, but to embrace and acknowledge the many that bring solace to the infirmed every single day.

I was a skeptic and hardened of heart from wallowing in my own woes. I was disarmed by these lovely people and their dedication to their patients (and visitors as well).

Caregivers, our paths may never cross again, but I will always love you for caring for this stranger, my father, and his family.

I implore everyone to support your local hospice organization by any means. You never know.

BRIAN T. CHRISTIAN

Sun City Center

Fitting Tribute To Hero

Regarding "Pilot 'Never Lost Sleep' After Atomic Bombing Of Hiroshima" (front page, Nov. 2):

I enjoyed the article about Gen. Paul Warfield Tibbets Jr. who flew the Enola Gay when it dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

My Dad, Harold Gilliland, worked at the Martin Bomber Plant in Bellevue/Omaha, Nebraska during World War II and was proud to have helped to build the airplane that dropped the atomic bomb that helped bring an end to the war. Of course he and his co-workers didn't know the exact purpose of that plane, but they realized that it was extra-special and wondered what its mission might be.

I was only 13 years old in 1945. Although I have many memories about the war, I was unaware of a lot of the details, so I appreciated the information in your article about Tibbets.

LILLIAN GILLILAND ORTON

Sebring

Room For Another Flag?

I am a British Army vet who is now a snowbird. I spend the winters in American Condominium Park in Zephyrhills. Last year I attended the park Veterans Day service in the clubhouse. The U.S. flag, Florida State flag and the Canadian flag were being flown inside the clubhouse.

Before leaving for the summer back in Canada, I submitted a written request to the Park Board for permission to fly the British flag at this year's service. I was given permission by the president of the board providing I purchase the flag, base, pole and top myself. I purchased these items and last Wednesday I went to the clubhouse and put in place the British flag (Union Jack) alongside the other three previously mentioned flags. All are the same size and flown at the same height. On Friday morning I received a phone call from a board member telling me to remove the flag.

My question to your readers: Do many Americans feel this way about sharing a memorial service for past and present allies?

I can guarantee you that the U.S. flag will be flying high and proud at the side of the British Union Jack at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, today.

TOM RUSSELL

Zephyrhills

The writer is a Lifetime Charter Member of the World War II Memorial Society.

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