THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 9, 1995 TAG: 9506080007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Upon reading your paper on Memorial Day, I was appalled to see that neither you nor your writers realize that there are black veterans in this country to be remembered.
In every war and conflict this country has participated in, black veterans were utilized on the front line. No acknowledgment of their shed blood or loss of their mental and/or physical health seems to be worth a mention.
I have a father, a brother and a husband who fought for this country. Your paper should remember and be thankful to them.
I was of age during the Vietnam War era, and I remember the many body bags sent home carrying black soldiers. That in itself was very memorable to me.
I noted a few days before Memorial Day that you had small black children on the front page of your newspaper placing flags on the gravesites at the Hampton National Cemetery, and yet on Memorial Day you tell the same black children that no one of their race is worth remembering on this special day. No wonder these children grow up embittered with this society.
I will continue to read you paper if only so I can be aware of the blatant racism displayed.
MINNETTA JONES
Chesapeake, June 6, 1995
jonesm(AT)wasc.egginc.com by CNB