Terrell adopted British flyers
Re: “Far across the ocean, a Dutch woman and her neighbors promised to honor our fallen soldiers forever — A grateful mother’s mission of mercy,” by Robert M. Edsel, May 11 Opinion.
To the people of Terrell, Robert M. Edsel’s story was a familiar one. The people of Terrell did the same for the 20 Royal Air Force cadets who died during training accidents or illness during their stay at the No. 1 British Flying Training School in Terrell from 1941 to 1945.
Families in Terrell and Dallas adopted these lonely young men and took them into their hearts and homes. Off-duty parties, picnics and dances were organized as was a United Service Organization. Local women sent knitted hats, sweaters and socks as well as sent food to the cadets and their families.
Bertha Brewer (and later her sister, Virginia), Neil Griffith, Mrs. James Marriett, Margaret Bass and Mary Boyd organized the Terrell War Relief Society to care for the graves of the fallen cadets. Photos and letters were sent to family , and grateful responses received. The women cared for the graves throughout the war until the Commonwealth War Graves Commission could respond.
Many local families continue to attend the annual Remembrance Day ceremony the BFTS Museum sponsors on the Sunday nearest Veterans Day.
Patrick Hotard, Terrell
Epitome of decency
One of the best columns I have ever read in The Dallas Morning News was in the Mother’s Day edition by Robert M. Edsel. It is heart-wrenching and heartwarming, the true definition of bittersweet.
The story of Dutch mother Emilie Michiels van Kessenich and her astounding humanity and efforts above and beyond for strangers halfway across the globe show what true comion, gratitude and being a citizen of the world mean.
The adoption of the graves of Americans who paid the ultimate price while restoring freedom to the Netherlands and are interred near their homes and the “forever promise” to mothers over here that those graves will be watched over as if they were their own are the epitome of decency and the golden rule.
I recommend everyone access and read this op-ed to give a new enriched appreciation for Memorial Day. Their bones may lie in foreign soil, but their hearts lie here.
Ted M. Moore, Dallas/Preston Hollow
Sculpture spoke to me
Re: “Still waiting for ‘Walking to the Sky’ to return — Nasher hopes to have treasured sculpture planted by 2026 and as good as new," by Robert Wilonsky, Monday Opinion.
Here is another reason we are happy to have Robert Wilonsky back at The Dallas Morning News. Thank you for your opinion and for continuing to ask about bringing Jonathan Borofsky’s sculpture, “Walking to the Sky,” back to the Nasher Sculpture Center Garden.
The first time I saw it years ago, it took my breath away. This iconic and inspirational sculpture moved and spoke to me like no other piece of art. After purchasing a photograph of it from the gift store, it traveled with me and was prominently placed in each of my offices during my career.
Now that I am retired, it has a prominent place in my home office where it continues to inspire and speak to me. Yes, bring it back!
Having it back in Dallas would speak volumes for our city, and the meaningful message the sculpture brings is something we need to hear in our world today.
Sue Mintz, Dallas/Preston Hollow
Be active and march
Re: “A graduate’s fears,” by Daisy Capetillo, May 11 Letters.
My heart broke reading Daisy’s letter in your Mother’s Day issue. I felt her fear and was helpless to comfort her because many of us feel her despair.
I was heartened to read that she, also, is worried about the president’s dismissal of the concerns of the masses. At almost 77 years old, I realized that the last real social change was during my college days when my fellow students were protesting in mass numbers, mostly because of the reinstatement of the draft. Without social media back then, the only way to have your voice heard was to show up. Nowadays, we seem to think that social media is the answer.
I’m wondering if the recent spate of marches in cities across the nation will make a difference to our elected senators and representatives who will, in turn, begin to vote for the people rather than the party.
Write directly to your elected officials and insist on representation. Become active and march.
We badly need it at both the national and state level. It’s time to protect the future of our children. They have a right to be able to face the future without fear.
Danna Zoltner, Denton
Prioritize food policies
Re: “Texas leads nation in hunger — Rising prices for necessities outpace D-FW family budgets," Thursday news story.
As a graduate student at the University of Texas at Dallas, I often plan my meals around the limited food I receive from the campus pantry, ed by the North Texas Food Bank. Despite working and budgeting, I can’t always afford enough food, and I know I’m not alone.
According to UTD’s 2023 Your Needs Survey, 25.8% of students ate less than they should because they couldn’t afford to buy more food. But food insecurity goes beyond campus.
Many families today are struggling with rising grocery costs and other essential expenses. No one should have to choose between basic needs. Hunger affects our communities, our workforce and our future.
Congress has the opportunity to address this in the next Farm Bill by strengthening SNAP benefits and making them more accessible. We must prioritize policies that ensure every person, student, worker, parent or elder has reliable access to nutritious food.
I urge readers to their congressional to prioritize this urgent issue and protect the health and well-being of all Texans.
Ashleigh M. Frank, Dallas