Committed to the Belle
To The Editor:
I just finished reading the very interesting story on Memphis Belle ("Battle of the Belle" July 10th). Of course, the story was well-done, because it was written by Michael Finger. His work is always accurate, thorough, and colorful.
As a member of the Memphis Belle Memorial Association, I am personally offended by Mr. Malmo's remark that we have a "loose confederation" of volunteers. It is obvious he is not aware of the strength of a group of people united for the same cause. By Mr. Malmo's own admission the Belle is deteriorating. The bottom line is we must do whatever it takes to preserve the Belle for history and for future generations. First and foremost, we owe this to all who fought in World War II, so that we might have the freedom to voice our opinions as I am doing now.
Charlotte Byrd
Memphis
To The Editor:
A battle over the Memphis Belle is a battle that is unnecessary. We have to preserve the aircraft. Sure, I understand why John Malmo and the City Parks Commission don't want to see the Belle leave Mud Island. It's a great location for the city. But no one disputes the fact that the plane is deteriorating badly in its current shelter. Seeing the Belle corroded and dirty is not a positive image for the city or desirable for those of us who seek to preserve aviation history.
In last week's article, Michael Finger did not indicate that the people who oppose moving the airplane have offered any realistic alternatives. Therefore, let's support the move to Millington. Sixteen miles is not that far, and the potential for an aviation museum is a definite plus.
Having just completed a large public relations program for another vintage airplane that was flown around the world, I am confident that a simple yet effective marketing and education program for the Memphis Belle could reach thousands of school students and the general public throughout our region.
Brent Perkins and the Memphis Belle Association are acting as responsible trustees to care for our community's treasure. They deserve our gratitude and support.
Jennifer Riggs
Memphis
King's Words
To The Editor:
In a superb cover story, "Double Exposure," by Jackson Baker and John Branston, Criminal Court Judge Joe Brown was quoted as saying, "Dr. King is dead (July 17th issue). In his grave. A national hero. A world hero. A national holiday named after him..."
That caused me to recall how Dr. King wanted to be remembered. He told us at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, February 4, 1968, two months before he was shot:
"Every now and then I think about my own death and I think about my own funeral . . . I'd like somebody to mention that day, that Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody
"Say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. That I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. ... I just want to leave a committed life behind."
And he did.
Arthur H. Prince
Memphis
Correction: A chart in the story "Interrogating the Interrogator" in our July 10th edition contained a misleading caption. The chart, showing the number of civil cases filed from 1992-1996, represented the total number of civil cases filed in the Western District of Tennessee. The majority of those cases were filed by private citizens and not by the U.S. Attorney's Office as indicated by the chart's caption. The numbers are correct. We apologize for the confusion.
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