Published: July 10, 2009 01:51 pm      

READERS' FORUM 7-11 | War Memorial was intended for veterans

In regards to the War Memorial being investigated, there are a few questions that should be asked and answered by the media and commissioners.

1. Why wasn’t the War Memorial Authority asked to investigate the charges before a warrant was issued?

2. Who went to the judge to get the warrants issued?

3. What judge issued the warrants?

I feel that the commissioners are behind this whole thing. A few months ago, the commissioners promised that the War Memorial Authority would be a part of the negotiations to keep the Johnstown Chiefs in Johnstown. When the negotiations started, the authority was not allowed to attend any meetings or voice its opinion. It was only the commissioners.

Now, they want to have a private company run the War Memorial. If the citizens of this county allow this, you can bet the next step is to sell the veterans out by selling the War Memorial. The War Memorial was built in 1950 to honor the veterans of World War II and future veterans. It was built completely on contributions, and no tax money was used. But our commissioners are determined to get rid of the War Memorial, the authority and the veterans committee.

Keep the staff we now have and keep the building for the veterans of Cambria County, as it was intended to be. Call the commissioners and voice your objections to having a private company run the War Memorial and to keep the present staff.

Russell E. Dick

Johnstown



Vintondale service was solemn and serious

On Memorial Day, members of the Herbert B. Daly VFW Post 5211, Vintondale, dedicated two granite monuments for those who served our country in time of war and those who were killed in action during World War II.

The memorial and flag posts were paid for by the estate of John Pytash, who died in 2008. He was a native and resident of Vintondale. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on May 13, 1940, and retired May 13, 1972, as a gunnery sergeant.

During 32 years in the service, he fought in three wars – World War II, Korea and Vietnam – where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart.

The flag raising on Iwo Jima is etched into the tall stone along with the seals of the five branches of the military service.

The small stone lists the names of 15 men from Vintondale who were killed in action in World War II: Tech. Sgt. Herbert B. Daly, Pfc. Frank Hegedus, Sgt. 1st Class Ernest Kerekes, John Kozar, Staff Sgt. Michael Kozar, 1st Lt. George A. Larish, Pvt. David J. Mack, Pvt. Michael Nemetz, Pfc. Tony Scenna, Cpl. Joseph J. Wojtowicz, Pvt. William J. Wright, Cpl. John Britsky, Sgt. 1st Class George Lybarger, Pvt. John Regetz and Sgt. 2nd Class George C. Slippy.

This memorial service was overshadowed by other services, but here in Vintondale it was solemn and serious.

These men never got to enjoy the freedom they fought for, so enjoy your freedom, observe a moment of silence and say a prayer before you move on to read the next news item.

Francis C. Crnarich

Buffington Township



Where are the real facts about Obama?

In response to Anita Altman’s letter (July 1, “Compared to Cheney, Obama is tame”). If referring to the “fact-checked” media to find out about our president, I hope you don’t mean MSNBC or CNN.

More like under a rock. Obama says simply that his Harvard education was paid for by hard work and student loans, but refuses to release any of this information.

However, in 1987, Obama links up with a violent domestic terrorist, Bill Ayers. In 1988, Ayers solicits Khalid Al-Mansour, a radical Muslim activist, to raise money for Obama’s Harvard education. In 1989, Ayers gets Obama a summer job at Sidley & Austin. This is where he meets Michelle Obama and Bernadine Dohrn, a terrorist and wife of Ayers.

In 1993, Ayers places Obama on the Wood’s Foundation, which donate tons of money to the Arab American Action Network to fund and lobby for open borders, driver’s licenses, college education for illegals, etc., with $58 million in assets.

In 1995, Ayers appoints Obama to chair the Annenberg Challenge, a project to “reform” education toward a socialist end. In 1995, Ayers hosts a political debut for Obama.

Then Obama is happy to spend away money on failed socialist ideas, with the hype of diversity, tolerance, social justice and hope and change, forcing the idea that it is one’s entitlement to a job, home, education, health care, and for reparations for damages done to persons no longer living.

Call the White House to state your thoughts or complaints. Meet in Washington on Sept. 12 before it’s too late.

Rosalie Dill

Johnstown



Open your eyes to benefits of Thunder

Renee Hale (July 7, “Thunder in the Valley drives families away”), please use the money you save in taxes to go on vacation the last weekend of June. It is unfortunate that you cannot see the benefits of the Thunder in the Valley “nightmare.”

We urge you to take time to talk with the bikers. You might realize they are here to enjoy themselves, and also to spend money. Our area is on the decline – shops closing, people relocating – so why is it so terrible for our beautiful city and surrounding areas to host a rally? The bikers come from everywhere and from every background. You should not lump all bikers into one category. Bikers come from all professions. Some are carpenters who work their tails off to make ends meet, and others are lawyers and even senators who just want to let loose a little.

We might also add that while it is unfortunate you experienced a motorcyclist passing you, you should know that every time we are out on our bike, an automobile pulls out in front of us, stops abruptly or turns in front of us.

We urge you to let loose a little and realize that this rally is not a calamity, but rather a good time for all who are open-minded enough to enjoy it. Next time you see a Harley-Davidson with chain-link handlebars, please know we are probably on our way to those old-fashioned bargain days, we just take a different form of transportation.

Justin and Renee Helsel

Seward



Who would stoop so low as to steal from grave?

Experiencing the tragic loss of our infant son was hard enough, which we relive on a daily basis, but now some individual(s) has decided to stoop so low as to steal his solar-powered eternal flame, (which was engraved with his grandparents’ names on it), from Richland Cemetery. May God judge you swiftly.

Together, my wife and I are offering a $500 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of this heartless individual(s).

If you have it and return it to Richland Cemetery, may you find peace. Any information, please call 495-4971.

Ken and Christine Miller

Summerhill



Relighting ceremony for flame in city

I totally agree with Carl Schultz (July 5, “Keep flame burning eternally, not just when visitors are in city”), the eternal flame should be burning all the time. When the flame was first constructed, problems of keeping it burning were encountered due to the wind and weather. Three years ago, a group from the B.D. “Buzz” Wagner, Chapter 221, Air Force Association started an effort to get the flame relit.

Many problems were encountered. After countless phone calls, meetings and dead ends, finally the right contacts were made.

Since Mother’s Day weekend, we have been testing the new flame to make sure it would stay lit, and it did. Soon, an official relighting ceremony will be held. The flame will then be permanently lit.

William Burns

President of B.D. “Buzz” Wagner,

Chapter 221, Air Force Association



Why did Jackson get so much attention?

This old fogey is using her freedom of speech for this letter.

Michael Jackson was an outstanding entertainer. The president said Jackson was a spectacular performer.

However, I’m thinking our warriors are spectacular in protecting us and our country, and I can’t help wonder if the president calls every family of our military persons when they come home in a flag-draped box, as he did with the Jackson family.

The TV media had nearly 24-7 coverage of Jackson. Our young military (deceased) come home without notice by the media (except in very rare situations). I’d like to see a runner at the bottom of our TV screens with their names, hometowns and perhaps a small picture of each hero.

Fans of Jackson are showing their love for him by congregating at various locations.

On the other hand, when one of our warriors has a funeral, protesters show up.

What is wrong with this picture? Comparing salaries of entertainers and/or our politicians with our military personnel sickens me, but people decide who they will idolize. I’m a strong, old woman and can handle the “flak” this letter will create.

God bless the United States and our warriors.

Margie Weyandt

Cresson