In a recent issue of The Citizen the following was published:

“What a complete waste of money this ‘Veterans Memorial Park' is. As a veteran I would be much more honored by seeing a school, homeless shelter, or something with a utilitarian existence as opposed to a bunch of stupid rocks in the ground. Remember when this project was started, and the Korean War vets said they had the money and the taxpayer dollars would not be used?”

The author obviously did not have the courage to sign his/her name. I normally do not bother with anonymous writings, however I feel obligated to do so in this case.

I agree that a school or a shelter would be nice, and perhaps whoever wrote this article can get someone to name one after him/her or whomever. Impracticable perhaps, but I suppose it could be done.

I am not going to try to defend this project, it does not need defending. It is a wonderful addition to the city of Auburn and will stand forever as a tribute to our veterans.

The above article is not about the new “Veterans Park.”

I detect in the article not a sincere request for a school or shelter or anything else, what I detect is simply an attempt to discredit the Korean War veterans and perhaps some jealousy by this individual; sarcasm is evident in this article and more. I am guessing whoever wrote this article is a member of some veterans' organization and I am sure he/she is not speaking for that organization.

Pomeroy Park has been there a long, long time and as soon as someone (Korean War veterans) comes up with a magnificent idea people like, the author of the anonymous article tries to shoot it down.

We have had complete cooperation with all of the veterans organizations throughout Cayuga County, many of which have donated large sums of money to the creation of this park.

I will proudly sign my name to this letter and invite whoever wrote the said article to call me any time he/she wishes. Telephone 457-1681.

Incidentally, I was born in Auburn, educated there and enlisted in the Marine Corps from there. I now live in Liverpool.

Jim Ferris

Liverpool

Ferris is national vice president of the Korean War Veterans Association