— Several years ago, it occurred to me that it would be fitting to accompany the Windber Area School District Ramblers logo with a coal miner. Since that time, I wrote a letter to the school board, and I have spoken with numerous former and current members of the community who support this idea.

One of the institutions central to every town is its school system. In Windber, the heritage of the coal miner and coal industry is integral to the definition of this town. It is essential to draw a link between this heritage and the educational system.

Most every family in Windber has been impacted by the coal industry as a whole and the coal miner in particular. The coal miner became a symbol of hard work, dedication and loyalty to family and neighbors. These are the qualities upon which Windber was built and are just as important today for our young people to understand and emulate.

My intent is to encourage members of the community and school board to adopt the coal miner as a symbol for the Windber Ramblers. In a town that has a statue of a coal miner on its main street, that recognizes the coal miner on Father’s Day and that boasts the Windber Coal Heritage Museum, this would be an opportunity to connect the school district with the community in a lasting and meaningful way.

Perhaps opinions from residents, mining communities, school board members and borough council could help guide this decision.

Tom Rosa

Massillon, Ohio, formerly of Windber



Oorah to priest on Mount Suribachi

I attended an inspiring ceremony held at the Franklin municipal building sponsored by Conemaugh Valley Detachment 287, Marine Corps League, honoring Sgt. Michael Strank and commemorating the 68th anniversary of the flag raisings on Iwo Jima.

“Raisings” is proper because there were two American flags planted on the summit of Mount Suribachi on Feb. 23, 1945.

Two hours after a Marine detachment raised the first flag, a second squad that included Sgt. Strank replaced it with a larger one. The actions of these heroes will be objects of admiration as long as there is an America.

There was, however, on the same day another courageous exhibition on Suribachi that has been almost completely lost to history. It involved a Jesuit priest named Father Charles Suver.

As he sat near a group of Marines, he overheard them mulling the possibility of raising the flag atop Suribachi. He promised them that, if they succeeded, he would celebrate Mass at its base.

It is recorded that 20 Marines, weapons ready, guarded the Jesuit as he fulfilled his end of the bargain at midday on Feb. 23.

It is also documented that, as he prayed, he could hear the voices of puzzled Japanese soldiers coming from the surrounding caves as they witnessed an unfamiliar religious rite being celebrated under their noses. It was the first Roman Catholic Mass ever offered on Iwo Jima.

I believe it is well past time to honor Father Suver, posthumously, with at least a hardy and well-earned oorah!

James C. Rovan

Johnstown



Illegal aliens issue plagues our country

Other than the economy, the primary problem in our country is with illegal immigration. More emphasis should be on the economy, but the media control the subject matter.

Our immigration policy is rather nebulous and ineffective. It appears that all politicians, media, etc., have their own personal opinions as to the solution.

How did this problem come about?

Several years ago, when Pat Buchanan was a presidential candidate, the immigration problem was in its early stages. At the time, Buchanan proposed that we close all borders to all immigrants for a period of three years. Then step back, evaluate our situation and regroup. People laughed at his proposal.

Unfortunately, we, as a nation, now have a major problem that has to be resolved. We are a nation of laws. Illegal aliens have broken the laws. They have created financial problems for state governments, they have burned and stomped on our flag and they have offended the people of the United States.

Some congressional members have proposed a plan of amnesty, but is not called that.

Longtime congressional members are responsible for the problem but don’t know how to fix it. One way is to dry up the jobs and they will no longer come.

Everybody asks the same question: How do we return 11 million illegal aliens to their own country?

Answer: Have them pay their own way back or return the same way they came.

Bill Rohal

Johnstown



Forest Hills’ cast, crew worthy of praise

Way to go, Forest Hills High School cast, crew and directors. Your theatrical production of “Footloose” last weekend was awesome.

You put on a fast-moving, high-intensity show, with strong choreography and seamless transitions. What a great choice.

So many of the characters are teenagers themselves, and the music was awesome. The cast and crew should be so proud. The dancing and vocal abilities left everyone wanting more.

The scene changes were magical. The show was so worth it from the minute it started until the last note was sung and last dance stepped.

You had everyone in the auditorium wanting to “cut loose.”

Jackie Ivock

Summerhill

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