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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 14, 2008

A Date To Remember

Sixty-three years ago today, after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, on Aug. 6, 1945, and Nagasaki, Japan, on Aug. 9, 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally on "V-J Day," Victory over Japan, on Aug. 14, 1945. This became the ultimate conclusion to World War II. Formal signing of the surrender documents took place on Sept. 2, 1945, aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

It should be noted time and time again that World War II was very costly. Sixteen million Americans served in the war - 400,000 Americans were killed - I repeat, 400,000 Americans lost their lives. In addition, thousands of American soldiers, sailors and airmen were maimed for the rest of their lives.

For the families and loved ones who remain, we grieve for them wholeheartedly.

JACK KELLER SR.

Belleair Bluffs

Glad To Still Celebrate

August 14 is V-J Day - a day of celebration for me. I served as a reserve Army nurse with the Vanderbilt Unit in World War II in North Africa and Naples, Italy. Two nurses with the same name (different middle initial) volunteered for that unit! Confusion all the time. I was one point short of the required number to go home when the war was over in Italy. I was assigned to a group preparing for the invasion of Japan. Because the big bombs were dropped, Japan surrendered.

I was happy to be able to go back to the USA. Many American lives were spared; mine was one. I am glad to be here to celebrate.

HAZEL INEZ PETRICK

Brandon

Verdict Was Predictable

Regarding "Bin Laden's Ex-Driver Found Guilty" (Nation/World, Aug. 7):

I see that a detainee in Guantanamo Bay has been convicted of a war crime. What a shock! His jury was six uniformed officers and another officer as judge. It was not even a unanimous decision.

Imagine if police thought they saw you do something or, worse yet, paid someone to tell them you did something then they sent you to prison, incommunicado, no counsel or judge. After five years you got your "right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury" (Amendment XI) in prison with uniformed police as jurors and the police chief as judge. Don't laugh; this administration can do whatever they want with you as long as they mention "national security," "terrorism" or "9/11." The Constitution is out the window.

JOHN CULKIN

St. Petersburg

Services Needed Here

What a great presentation made by Beijing for the opening of the Olympics on 8/8/08. I can't help but wonder with all of the services and products we Americans purchase that are "made in China" if maybe we are the real host country.

Now if they can do as good a job solving my technical issues with computer, phone, etc., when I usually get a call center located overseas, that would really make my day.

JOE VOSKERICHIAN

Tampa

Trust In Neighbors

Regarding the Aug. 10 letter regarding fliers and such being delivered while we're on vacation:

I've found the best solution is to ask a neighbor to police your yard while you are away. I used to ask to have mail and newspapers stopped, but both seem to get delivered anyway. I subscribe to both the Tribune and the Ledger and find these papers all over my yard when I return home. You would think that delivery people would wonder why there are two weeks of papers piling up.

HUGH SMITH

Lakeland

Overlooked Champions

Unlike Mudville, There's Joy In Tampa Bay" (Our Opinion, Aug. 12):

There was indeed a Tampa league that brought home the World Series top crown - the Tampa Bay Junior League! Junior League is made up of 13- and 14-year olds and is the league kids enter after Little League.

In 1985, my son Andrew and 14 others boys from south Tampa went to the playoffs in Taylor, Mich., won the World Series and brought the trophy back to Tampa!

See http://www.juniorleagueworldseries.com/history.htm...

MARCELLA O'STEEN

Balm

Independent's Dilemma

"I'm getting frustrated with the upcoming election. With all the negative things that are starting to surface, I am now more confused than ever as to the ideal person who can run our country. The idea of it being dependent upon the citizens makes it very important that people take it seriously and think hard about who would be better. I just think that because it's my first time I can actually have a significant voice in something, I am really interested in making sure I have all possible information to make the best choice."

This is a quote from an e-mail I received from a first-time voter. This is also the hope that each voter would put forth as they make their decision. As I tried to explain to the writer of this e-mail, a lot of things have to enter in this decision, such as trust, accountability and the fortitude to make a stand on policy and not waiver no matter what the polls, lobbyists and backers present.

From this perspective the average voter must back off these factors and decide who could run this country and represent them both nationally and personally. Hopefully, by November one man will stand alone and convince me, an independent, and this first-time voter who he is.

LOIS M. SPATUZZI

Brooksville

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