I miss my father, who died a few years ago. When he came here to visit, he loved to wear his red Marine Corps cap and say Semper Fi to everyone he met. I was touched by the articles you recently published about veterans living on Mercer Island. I finally decided to do an Internet search about Dad’s service on an island in the Pacific during World War II. He grew up very poor in Chicago, and I doubt there was a community pool for fun or swimming lessons, even if his parents scraped the money to afford them. I discovered he volunteered for the Marines. He was already stationed on Midway and helped defeat the Japanese during the surprise attack in June, 1942. He finished fighting on Okinawa in May, 1945. I’m sure he did not learn how to swim until the Marines forced him. It undoubtedly saved his life. He was a skinny, friendly, modest and gentle man who served his country well.

If he were alive today, I’m sure he would be appalled that we are allowing Mary Wayte Pool to close due to a shortage of money. Our local news is full of heartbreaking stories of people drowning in rivers, lakes, streams, even bath tubs. Many deaths could have been prevented. In honor of my father and many others — please save Mary Wayte Pool. Thank you.

Susan Price

Proud daughter of a Marine