THE PEOPLE SPEAK IN MORE ‘LETTERS TO THE EDITOR’

Setting The Record Straight Regarding Earlier Letter

Dear Editor:

     I’d like to set the record straight to clarify all misunderstandings about my February 19, 2020 “Letter to the Editor” which I wrote to call attention to the U.S. House of Representatives “New Way Forward Act” (H.R. 5383). For the record, I have never said or written that “immigrants should immediately be issued a social security card”. My February 2020 “Letter to the Editor” did not even mention social security cards. H.R. 5383 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives December 10, 2019 by Rep. Jesus G. Garcia (D-IL). The intent of the bill is to have permanent open borders to the United States. Mandatory detentions would end. There would no longer be any crime that would require deportation. Illegal felons found guilty of terrible crimes, who have already been deported, would be brought back to the U.S. at taxpayer expense.

     I oppose H.R. 5383 which would radically reform U.S. Immigration Laws and cause great harm to our Nation. My family heritage proudly includes Grandparents who legally came to America through Ellis Island. They were hard-working, law-abiding, self-supporting family people who became U.S. citizens and very grateful Americans. I totally support legal immigration. Dangerous H.R. 5383 is still lurking in the U.S. House of Representatives. On January 30, 2020, the bill was referred by the House Judiciary Committee (Chairman, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship, (Chaired by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). I’m still watching with concern; hoping other Americans are too.

Judy Gandy, Decatur

Question About Aerial Photo of Greenhouses, DMH In Feb. 19th Edition

Dear Mr. Osborne,

     Do you have any idea how old this photo is? As I indicated in the photo, the white house across from the greenhouses was my family’s home from 1960-1968. The hospital bought the house from my parents in 1968. The city put in Hay Street and the hospital built the new emergency room drive about where our living room was. My husband and I truly enjoy the Tribune. We have been readers for about five years. We read articles to each other, especially the Trib-bits and the back page. Thank you for a great paper.

Gloria Redden, Decatur

(Editor’s Note: Sorry, I have no date when the aerial photo was shot.)

Rosie The Riveter Association Trying To Locate Women Who Worked On Home Front During World War II

Dear Editor:

     American Rosie the Riveter Association is trying to locate women who worked on the home front during WWII. Thousands of women worked to support the war effort as riveters, welders, electricians, inspectors in plants, sewing clothing and parachutes for the military, ordnance workers, rolling bandages, clerical, farming, and many other jobs such as volunteer workers collecting scrap metals and other critical materials.

     These women have stories of their WWII experiences that are of historical value and perhaps have never been told. American Rosie the Riveter Association would like to acknowledge these women with a certificate and have their stories placed in our Archives. American Rosie the Riveter Association is a patriotic/non-profit organization whose purpose is to recognize and preserve the history and legacy of working women during WWII. This organization was founded in 1998 by Dr. Frances Carter, Birmingham, Alabama and now has over 6500 members nationwide.

     Current elected officers from Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, Texas, Oklahoma and Alabama all serve on a volunteer basis. The annual Convention for 2020 will be held in Hyde Park, New York area on June 12-14. If you are a woman (or descendant of a woman) who worked during WWII, or if you are just interested in more information, please check our web site www.rosietheriveter.net or call the toll free number 1-888-557-6743 or e-mail americanrosietheriveter2@yahoo.com.

American Rosie the Riveter Association

Land Of Lincoln Honor Flight Postpones May 12 Flight Due To COVID-19

Dear Editor:

     Due to the on-going national health emergency related to the COVID-19 virus, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF) of Springfield, Illinois regrets to announce that the May 12, 2020 flight has also been postponed. This action was taken in consideration of the Centers for Disease Control’s advisory that citizens must avoid all non-essential air travel and undertake social distancing. The health and safety of our American heroes is of utmost concern for our organization and we believe this flight postponement is in the best interest of our Veterans.

     All veterans who were scheduled on the May 12th flight have been notified and will be offered the opportunity to participate on the September 22, 2020 Honor Flight. This is an unprecedented and challenging time because of the uncertainties and risks associated with COVID-19.

     We value the health and safety of our veterans, their guardians and everyone who supports Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. Please e-mail Joan Bortolon, President, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight for additional information (JMB4604@aol.com or 217 585 1219/217 652 4719). Thank you for your continued support of the Veterans and the Honor Flight program.

Joan Bortolon, President Land of Lincoln Honor Flight