It makes me sad to think that placing a statue of Stalin at the D-Day Memorial in Bedford has stirred up much controversy ["De-Stalinize Bedford," July 21].
I, for one, feel that I do not know enough about Stalin's role in helping the Allies. I'm a graduate of Bedford High School and Roanoke College. But before I or anyone else can vote, I think we need to learn more about the role Stalin played.
I knew most of the families that lost loved ones in the
They had three sons, one son-in-law, and several nephews who served. Every day my father, W.P. Hicks, would listen to Gabriel Hester on the radio. Hester would search for some piece of good news. He would begin his broadcast with, "There's good news tonight."
I do not remember much about Stalin and his role in World War II, but I'll never forget how I felt when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. I was deeply hurt. It took me years to forget and forgive. I did not have those feelings for Stalin and the Russians.
The Hoback family lost two sons in the invasion.
I urge you to learn more about Stalin. He was our ally. Learn before you vote. And go visit the D-Day Memorial. It will move you to tears.
I've already asked the Caroline County library to send me some books on the war.
Janet H. Carter
Caroline