Ramshackle Cabaret
Dear Editor: On behalf of Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the organizers and performers of the Ramshackle Cabaret. The show was tremendous, as was the groundswell of support for Planned Parenthood in Sitka. The standing-room-only event raised SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS to support subsidized care at the Sitka clinic, or as I like to point out, over $1.50 for every single woman in Sitka. I am proud to be associated with this event celebrating, supporting, and empowering women. Thank you so much.
Sarah Ferrency, Sitka,
PPGNW Board of Directors
Honoring Veterans
Dear Editor: Everyone agrees that Nov. 11 is an important date to remember, because it is to honor our veterans. But another date that may be just as important to remember is July 28, 1932. This was the date on which Douglas MacArthur and his aide Dwight Eisenhower, dispersed the last 10,000 or so bonus marchers left in Washington, D.C.
They were ordered to do this by millionaire Republican President Herbert Hoover. It was passed down through Secretary of War Patrick J. Hurley. The use of troops was supposed to be the last resort. But Hoover knew MacArthur would disobey orders and go to the extreme at the beginning. Hoover then washed his hands of it like some Las Vegas blackjack dealer going on break.
So on the morning of July 28, 1932, MacArthur gathered up his forces to, as he stated, ‘‘Rescue the nation from incipient revolution.’’ It is sad to me that one of the very last charges made by the U.S. Cavalry was ordered by MacArthur against World War I veterans who had served with him in the great war. six tanks and infantry were also used.
The bonus marchers were World War I veterans who had gathered in Washington, D.C., to petition the government for the bonus, averaging $1,000 to be paid early. This was passed into law by Congress in 1924. It was to be paid in 1945. The drive to pass this bill was spearheaded by veterans organizations. It was repayment for the blood, sweat and tears shed by our troops in the great war.
The early payment they were petitioning for was to relieve their families from the grinding poverty of the Great Depression.
When we forget the past we are doomed to repeat it again. With thousands of troops returning home from two long wars filled with hardship, with wounds both physical and psychological, it is important to not repeat the past and not mistreat our veterans. No veteran should ever lack for any services that they may need. That is why it is important to remember July 28, 1932. No veteran of the great war ever received their lawful bonus.
Daniel P. Svetlak, Sitka
Recycling Tips
Dear Editor: Today’s tip can reduce the sorting which slows the baling of plastic recyclables:
When depositing plastics in the collection bags, remember that clear and tinted containers may be either #1 or #5. Deposit the very common #1s in either of the 2 bags nearest the entrance gate. The less common #5s have their own tub at the end of the row.
Check those numbers! No number, no recycle. Watch out for the rare #6 and #7 – discard them immediately – try not to buy them in the future.
Hint: clear containers intended to be microwaved will always be #5.
Hopefully, they no longer contain food. Your accurate sorting will increase the throughput of baled plastic. Thanks for recycling in Sitka.
Roger Bleier,
Sitka Recycling Center
Coat, Clothing Drive
Dear Editor: Girl Scout Troop 4140 is sponsoring a winter clothing drive. We need gently used clothing to give out to people who need it.
There will be boxes out at Sea Mart, the fire hall, AC Lakeside and City Hall. That’s where you will donate the winter clothes. They will be there from Nov. 3 until Nov. 10. We will be taking gently used tennis shoes, jackets, scarves, hats, backpacks, etc. Please, no clothing! For any questions please call 738-2073.
Fifth-Grade Girl Scouts
Allison, Chloe M., Ari B.,
Autumn and Margaret
Harbor Conference
Dear Editor: The Sitka Harbor Department would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their donations and support during the 33rd Annual Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrator’s Conference, which was held Oct. 22-26.
Thank you to Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau, Channel Club, Centennial Hall staff, Allen Marine, New Archangel Dancers, Regal Cheese, Kim Elliot, Don Kluting and Sitka Scene Photography, Roberta White and Roberta White Photos, Tim Shobe and Shobe Studios, Radio Shack, Seaside Barbershop, Work and Rugged Gear, Samson Tug and Barge, Sea Mart, Brenner’s Fine Clothing and Gifts, Baranof Island Brewery, Pioneer Bar, Orion Sporting Goods, Bayview Pub, Murray Pacific, Silver Bay Seafoods and Sitka Sound Seafoods.
Stan Eliason, Sitka Harbormaster
