THE WARS AT HOME

Montpelier provides interesting insights for parents and alums, but the recently published statements by a JMU student indicate an appal-ling ignorance of history on her part, with no editorial response by the magazine. In the Summer [2003] edition, Ms. Ann Huegelmeyer ('03) states that she was inspired to create a kite showing U.S. aerial attacks on other countries because, "With the exception of the Civil War, Americans have not seen the destruction of war within our country."  It is unclear whether she is ignorant of the facts or chooses to ignore them.  Leaving aside the War of 1812, with its widespread destruction, including official Washington, D.C., the United States was attacked -- from the air -- on Dec. 7, 1941, and again on Sept. 11, 2001. Those attacks on the United States provoked the U.S. responses highlighted by Ms. Huegelmeyer in her artwork. Like her kite, history is a series of events linked together by cause and effect.

Joseph M. Bracken ('05P)

DUKES FOOTBALL IS FAMILY FARE

We brought our two children to the JMU football game against Hofstra on Sept. 20 and had a wonderful day as a family. One of the major highlights for our 5-year-old daughter, Natalie, is finding Duke Dog and getting her picture taken with him. She searches for him throughout the whole game, wondering where he is and when he's going to come near our seats. It's the same thing at basketball games. She always gives him a high-five and a hug. What a great mascot. In fact, she had money saved up to purchase her own Duke Dog at the bookstore, and she and I left the game a couple minutes early to buy it. Our 10-^{year-old son, Ryan, a major sports fan and Dukes fan, came running into the bookstore after the game with his dad to tell me the Dukes pulled out a victory in the last minute. He couldn't believe I left the game and missed it. What a great victory and exciting game this was -- a perfect ending to a perfect day at JMU. We really enjoy coming back to campus and attending games. We also love the magazine. Keep up the great work.}

^{Pam ('84) and Sonny ('82) Dyke}

^{Front Royal, Va.}

MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

I was most impressed and pleased to read the recent [Spring 2003] JMUWorks article high-
lighting the service of JMU alumni in the Salem City Schools. It was very well done and accorded our music instructors recognition that they
richly deserve.

Our teachers' individual and collective service to the children of Salem speaks well for the music education program at JMU. They have provided and continue to provide quality music instruction and positive role models for our students.

On behalf of the Salem City School Board and myself, I extend our congratulations and kudos to our teachers for their dedication to excellence in music education and to JMU for its commitment to the preparation of outstanding teachers.

N. Wayne Tripp, Superintendent

City of Salem (Va.) School Division

MONTPELIER WELCOMES LETTES about stories and issues raised in the magazine. Letters are subject to editing, and not all letters can be published, nor can they be returned. Anonymous letters will not be published. Send your letters to "22807," Montpelier, Rockingham Hall, Office 271, MSC 5718, JMU, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 or montpelier@jmu.edu.