HARVARD: An alternate perspective

I read with interest George Silva's comments about Harvard. It seems fair to say that no college, even one as legendary as Harvard, doesn't make missteps.

I look at Harvard through a different lens than many. My late father Joel entered Harvard in 1937 thanks to a generous scholarship he received. In the post Depression era late 1930s, my grandfather could not afford the tuition. He sold tools and farm equipment, and had two other boys to get through college. When Harvard came out west looking for potential students, they found Dad. He was senior class President at LC in Spokane; a scholar, a football player, and an actor in theatrical productions.

When he started as a freshman in 1937, he was surrounded by people with famous last names like Kennedy, Roosevelt, Peabody, and Richardson. It was daunting.

One thing you seldom hear about is the huge contribution Harvard made to the war effort. All the aforementioned fellow students who were there when Dad was, including Joseph Kennedy Jr, John F. Kennedy, Quentin Roosevelt, Edicott Peabody, Elliott Richardson, and my Dad, willingly signed up for military service.

Not one person asked any of them in the foxhole, "Excuse me, are you a Republican or Democrat?" Nor did anyone ask what religion they were. Because what mattered was "Do you love your country?" and "Do you value Freedom?"

By 1944, Harvard campus became like a military base.

I was born into freedom because of their sacrifice and love of country.

I am awed by the advancements in scientific research and medicine Harvard has made.

So, when I hear the word Harvard, I feel this: gratitude.

SARA FERRIS
Coeur d' Alene