To the Editor:
My mother always told me, “don’t talk to strangers.” I usually do as I’m told. Today though, on the No. 40 bus going east on South Street, everything my mother told me went in one ear and out the other.
A strikingly handsome, majorly fi t man proudly wearing a Tuskegee Airmen hat got on the bus and I was immediately awestruck. Here, right here on the No. 40 bus, was an famous icon of American history — a stranger, but I didn’t care. I leaped over to the seat next to him, told him how thrilled I was to be in his presence and what an honor it was to meet him. His smile was as spectacular as fi reworks on the Fourth of July and he introduced himself as, ”John, 90 years old, and an original Tuskegee Airman. I’m on my way back from my karate class.”
I was so impressed and delighted to share a seat with a living legend from such a prestigious fl ying unit from the World War II days. He told me something so genuine.
“You know Anne, there is a chronological age and a physiological age — I may be 90, but I feel 79.”
“John you look more like you are 16,” I responded. I saw his fi reworks again.
With a handshake and goodbye, I got off the bus with a proud-to-be-an- American glow about me. I was definitely at the right place at the right time today. To my friendly stranger, John, I say, “it was a privilege to ride the bus with you,” and to my mother, I say, ”all’s well that ends well!”
Anne Pannone
South Philadelphia
To the Editor: Let me get this straight. The City of Philadelphia is having a major financial crisis and the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Arlene Ackerman, receives an annual salary of $338,000 with an expected bonus of $65,000. She is also eligible for a 3 percent raise by the end of the year. Does anyone see anything wrong with this picture?
To the Editor: What I’m about to say may seem like an irrational and irate tirade but I assure you it’s not.
To the Editor: What is at stake in the current controversy about the building of an Islamic Center in New York is more than religious freedom. It is about fueling hatred and continued terrorism. The Islamic religion is not our enemy.
An Open Letter to SEPTA: On Aug. 5, my 9-year-old granddaughter and I were riding on the No. 11 trolley coming from Center City at about 5:30 p.m. when a gentleman sitting in front of us began talking extremely loud on his cell phone.
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Mother’s Day 2012
1. Chris J Doyle said... on Aug 26, 2010 at 01:36PM
“I was so happy after reading your experience on the bus with John, and a bit jealous! I'm sure it made him proud to know that he and his fellow "fly-boys" have not, nor will not, be forgotten! Sadly, the men and women from the "Greatest Generation", who have served their country is diminishing. Hopefully your actions will enlighten others to show their gratitude to all the men and women who have served! That is the VERY LEAST we can do!
(Side note) Ms. Pannone at the risk of sounding like a dumb sexest man, I find it great in knowing that a woman knew of the Tuskegee Airmen! I'm sure your mom didn't mind and is a bit proud of you for "disobeying" her this one time!!”
2. Anonymous said... on Aug 31, 2010 at 09:50AM
“I want to forwarn the people who live in the vicinity of 10th & Ritner Sts. and along Moyamensing Ave. There has been a rash of muggings at the ATM machines in this area by, none other than, Mexicans. Last night at 6 p.m. my young daughter was robbed at knife point by a Mexican and he drained her account of everything. My daughter was layed off from her job in May and has been struggling ever since to find another job. She isn't like these lazy illegals who come to this country to do their crime. Sadly not one of them has been caught to my knowledge. This is a warning to anyone in any area of South Phila. to stay away from those ATM machines if that's at all possible. These people are lurking in cars, just about anywhere to rob you of your hard earned money. I thank God my Granddaughter wasn't with her at this time. God only knows what would have happened.”