Equine tribute
TO THE EDITOR: I am a graduate of animal behavior from Queens College and have been a long-time participant in all things equine. Whether it is preserving the wild mustangs' heritage or saving horses from slaughter, I am a passionate advocate for animal welfare. I also write poetry, compose music and am working on a series of children's books.
I want to say kudos to Steven Spielberg for his provocative portrayal of a young man and his undying love and dedication to his horse, Joey. The following poem is a tribute to the "War Horse" and, in essence, all other equines who have been the faithful servants of man throughout history.
Victims of War
The man, the sun, the gun,
The broken lance, the lifeless dance,
The lonesome valleys, the screaming skies,
Their masters have forsaken them,
They exist within a hungry hide.
The blood, the mud, the stud,
Vultures soaring, high winds roaring
Across the barren plains.
The soldiers rest eternally.
Their horses stand shivering in the rain.
Charge on, charge on, charge on!
March through great walls of fire.
Swim on, swim on, swim on!
While murky green tides rise higher.
The death wish is man's desire — only man's desire!
Stand quiet, stand quiet; it's over.
Head morth through fields of wild clover.
Just one favor they ask of you,
Carry the wounded home...
Carry the wounded home...
Hedy Strauss
Morrisonville
Speed reduction
TO THE EDITOR: I am writing this letter to suggest to the Town of Plattsburgh and/or New York State Department of Transportation that the speed limit on the portion of Tom Miller Road between Pizza Palace and the Military Turnpike be lowered from the current 55 mph to 45 mph.
There has been substantial commercial and residential development along this stretch, and 55 mph is simply too fast for this area. There also appears to be confusion among motorists who do not see the 55-mph sign near Pizza Palace and continue to travel 45 mph or less. Vehicles slowing to access any of the businesses in that area add to an already unsafe situation.
I urge either or both of these agencies to investigate this issue and make adjustments accordingly. Thank you.
David A. Boucher
Plattsburgh
Motorcycle Association
TO THE EDITOR: As the New York State Auxiliary representative for the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association, I would like to thank your paper and Lohr McKinstry for taking the time to come to our special surprise to a veteran's daughter on Jan. 10 at Moriah Central School.
Due to the newspaper, our mission is taking a second step and letting people know who we are. We have been around a long time, but due to the lack of coverage at our events, people did not know.
We are nationwide and donate all money raised to veterans and their families in need.
We have a annual Ghost Ride every year to honor a Medal of Honor receipt. This year will be our fifth and all proceeds go to veterans organizations. This year, it will be held July 21, with the start of the ride in Ticonderoga at Tredways Service Station.
Carrie Tromblee
Moriah Center
Proud of luger
TO THE EDITOR: As a taxpayer in the Chateaugay School District, I would like to show our support of Courtney Yando, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Yando, for being chosen to participate in The Norton Youth National Luge Race in Park City, Utah.
She will be training in Utah from Feb. 20 to 23. Courtney made the U.S. Luge Development Team "D Team" last spring.
Courtney will have the Seeding Races on the 24th and the Championship Race on the 25th.
At the age of 13, we think this is quite an accomplishment since she has had to spend the last couple of years training in Lake Placid, which is hard on any young adult.
We just want her to know how proud we are to have someone competing from such a small community in Utah and wish her the best of luck.
Brenda Decosse
Chateaugay
