THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 14, 1994 TAG: 9407120153
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
We are delighted that in your recent Compass article on the 50th anniversary reunion of the Virginia Belles you showed a photo of our ladies pledging allegiance to the United States Flag. It points up what we are, that is, women of devotion, not only to our country, but to the community, church and family, as well.
There are two facets to any reunion: Then and Now. Your reporter told only half the story, the WWII aspect, and failed to give the follow-up evidence that during the 50-year interim the Virginia Belles have lived successful, moral, and responsible lives. What they are Now may be more important than what they were Then.
As for our enjoyment of that time, we certainly did enjoy dancing to the big bands, just as other women enjoyed their war service. My mother, for example, enjoyed working as an aircraft warning tracker in the old Post Office, and another of our chaperones enjoyed driving with other Gray Ladies in Red Cross convoys.
Virginia Belles are not women's libbers. We honor our men, and, therefore, find it hard to understand how your reporter could have interviewed ``Lois Bellamy Martin'' and never mention that her husband, Judge Fred E. Martin Jr., was attending the reunion with her.
Amelia E. Hitchings
Chairman, Virginia Belles,
50th Anniversary Reunion
Rolfe Avenue by CNB