My friend Gail and I visit Cantigny Park in Winfield each season; it is a lovely park with a First Division museum, a tank park that includes tanks from many wars and the majestic home of Robert McCormick, former editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.
We met on Nov. 12. When I got to the entry booth, the young woman asked if I was there for the celebration. I said no; it was just a visit. She told me there was no parking fee for the morning.
Gail and I met at the visitors center and saw 200 chairs set up in the main room. Someone with a clipboard came up to us and asked if we were guests. Not wanting to be kicked out and thinking it was a Veterans Day celebration — and also, we are nosy — we said yes, we were guests.
We sat on the guest side, where we were treated to a half-hour of a four-piece horn ensemble playing every patriotic song from “America (My Country, ’Tis of Thee)” to “Yankee Doodle.” We were still wondering what the celebration was but sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere, as more and more people came in.
Eight people then marched in, and a federal judge called the meeting to order. We sang along with the national anthem, still wondering what was going on. I glimpsed a name tag on one of the women who had walked into the ceremony: the League of Women Voters. Those ladies were all dressed in red, white and blue.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin then approached the podium and welcomed the 75 new citizens from 32 countries to the United States of America. Each new citizen stood as the judge called out their countries’ names. Durkin spoke of the honor they were receiving after the hard work they had accomplished; the obligation a citizen has; the right to run for office; the right to live one’s life freely; and the right to vote. Members of the League of Women Voters were set up in the lobby to register our new citizens to vote.
The entire assembly then joined in saying the Pledge of Allegiance. There was not a dry eye in the place, including mine.
— Laurie Whitman, La Grange Park
After she and Jimmy Carter were married 77 years, making them the longest-married presidential couple in American history, the sad passing of former first lady Rosalynn Carter is no doubt a terrible blow to the former president, who recently celebrated his 99th birthday and is also in failing health.
They were a couple truly dedicated to one another, a class act and a genuine love story. With her own list of accomplishments — campaigning for women’s rights and those with disabilities and mental health issues — Rosalynn Carter can rest in peace knowing that she made a difference in the world.
— JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater, Florida
Regarding the op-ed “Chicago could save money by consolidating gas, lead, sewer line work” (Nov. 17): I had the honor of working with retired Public Works Director Bill Porter. He has a masterful talent for mixing creativity and pragmatism and providing cost-effective infrastructure planning.
Porter’s analysis of a partnership for gas line and water/sewer main replacement offers a thoughtful solution to a serious issue. The city of Chicago and Peoples Gas are encouraged to give his plan careful consideration. It could become a national model for public-private infrastructure partnerships.
— Joe Wade, city administrator, Prospect Heights
The subject of the Sunday editorial “Wind farms in Lake Michigan make no economic sense. Springfield ought to sink that idea.” is certainly a legislative repeat from a year ago. I wish that our state legislature, and those two guys (Sen. Robert Peters and Rep. Marcus C. Evans Jr.), would stop wasting their time.
This proposed venture off the Far South Side would encroach on the Burnham Nature Sanctuary, whose purpose is to protect migratory birds. Lake Michigan is a bird superhighway, allowing a back-and-forth path as the birds move during the fall and spring seasons. Many birds have been crashing into buildings downtown because lights confuse them. Now, lawmakers want to put 12 turbines in their way; more birds will be sacrificed.
Get real!
— Fred J. Wittenberg, Evanston
Having the Tribune delivered since 1967, I’ve read untold headlines. The one at the top of Sunday’s Opinion page, for a Clarence Page column, rang a bell. It reads: “GOP does its best to show us how to normalize an insurrection.”
Looking back at recent history, when parts of the country were being burned and looted during riots, one remembers the Democrats describing it as “civil unrest.”
— Richard Vlach, Winfield
In reading all the “gratitude” letters to the editor over the Thanksgiving holiday, I began drifting into simple wonderment about America. This country, which abounds with humankind of all skin colors, nationalities and religions, is a melting pot, something it was designed to be.
I started using a cane two years ago. In no time at all, total strangers, of every description already noted, have appeared from nowhere to hold open a door for me. I thank them, and if they seem to linger a moment, I let them know that I am 84.
I continually tell my buddies that at age 80, they must get a cane, whether they need one or not. In so doing, they will find themselves in total wonderment at what it means to be an American!
— Phil Smith, Plainfield
On Thanksgiving afternoon, I was involved in a rear-end collision on the Kennedy Expressway. We were not hurt, but the driver who rear-ended us possibly was. I called 911, and from then on, I was totally impressed with the response we got from the city and the state.
The fire personnel, vehicle removal people, emergency medical personnel and Illinois State Police were amazingly efficient, professional and polite. They are all a tribute to the city and the state.
— Robin Cooper, Indianapolis
I’m thankful the “Mutts” comic strip has run a series showing readers what becomes of discarded pets. It’s a sorrow to see but a great thing that the subject has been brought to the public eye.
— Georgiana Dodd, Homewood
“Mutts” is breaking my heart right now. Patrick McDonnell is an artistic genius.
— Marla Seibold, Evanston
Join the conversation in our Letters to the Editor Facebook group.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
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