On June 6, 2006, the United States and her allies observed the 62nd anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Normandy, France, by our armed forces in World War II in which our troops were in the forefront. Prior to the invasion, Supreme Commander General Eisenhower rallied his troops.
In a similar event many years ago, on the eve of battle, another General addressed his troops:
“Is there any man here who has just built a house, but has not yet dedicated it? If so, he is to go home. Otherwise, if he is killed in battle, someone else will dedicate his house.”
“Is there any man here who has just planted a vineyard, but has not yet had the chance to harvest its grapes? If so, he is to go home. Otherwise, if he is killed in battle, someone else will enjoy his wine.”
“Is there anyone here who is engaged to be married? If so, he is to go home. Otherwise, if he is killed in battle, someone else will marry the woman who he is engaged to.”
“Is there any man here who has lost his nerve and is afraid? If so, he is so go home. Otherwise, he will destroy the morale of others.”
Now who do you suppose uttered these humane and caring concerns for his troops? Okay, dust off your Old Testament and turn to Deuteronomy, Chapter 20, Verse 5. That is who!
Hyman Auslander
Flushing
Astoria's Shrinking Playgrounds
I am writing about the shrinking resources for Astoria Youth. Three of the basketball courts at P.S. 10 have been closed to provide construction crews with storage space. I understand these courts will be closed through October. This is continuing an unfortunate trend.
Astoria has already lost several basketball courts and play areas under the Triborough Bridge. The fields and courts of Bryant High School are also no longer accessible to the community. It is very disappointing that the Community Board and local officials have allowed this to occur. A season or two is a long time in the life of a young person!
Sports socialize us as New Yorkers. Sports teach us to deal with diversity, resolve disputes, as well as compete and excel.
Astoria needs more park space and not less. Please urge your officials to take action to serve and engage our young people in healthy activities and ensure that all our facilities remain open. The springtime is already here.
P. A. Carroll
Astoria
Lamenting Loss Of Brooklyn-Queens Day
There was a holiday, which many of us have forgotten about, known as Brooklyn-Queens Day. City schoolteachers bargained away this holiday in their new contract. It was a holiday observed since 1829 and held on the first Thursday in June. It was originally celebrated to commemorate the organization of Sunday Schools.
I remember that back in the 1960's, I was one of those who marched with my church which was Grace Lutheran in Queens Village. I seem to recall that there were colorful balloons, banners and floats and it seemed everyone had a good time. It was also important because it got various churches and denominations together and we all became like one community in an attempt to give the children a sense of spirituality.
I think we should bring back this holiday with all the trimmings, where faith and morals could flourish and the children could get some good out of it.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
Supply And Demand Determines Price
“Pennies off per gallon from governor” (Pete Davis - May 25) was disappointing news for Queens consumers. Do lame ducks Governor George Pataki and City Council Finance Committee Chair David Weprin really believe that reducing the price of gasoline by a nickel per gallon will make any significant difference in the day-to-day lives of anyone? After filling your tank and saving 50 cents - just what will we run out and buy? They fail to mention how the City and State will make up for those lost revenues.
In the free marketplace, the law of supply and demand determines price. China, India and other industrial nations are competing for the same oil supply. International terrorism and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina also have an impact. Millions of Americans have both pension plans and stocks in oil companies. Retirees depend on income from their dividends. Since when is profit a sin? Perhaps Pataki and Weprin could promote public transportation by increasing the funding provided by both the City and State to transit operators. This might provide motorists with real alternatives and relief from higher gasoline prices.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
