I was just reading about a Pearl Harbor sailor who has just died at age 102. Lou Conter a sailor was on the USS Arizona when it was bombed by Japan during WWII.

He did what had to be done to aid fellow sailors that were hurt. Meanwhile 1,777 on that day died on that day of infamy.

Lou was a true hero on that day. Now for that I salute a true American hero that went through hell.

I do know another brave American that was there that day and that was my former father-in-law and he was a sailor named Charles Wieland who also later served during the Korean War in Greenland. I myself have served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War era and today am a member of the American Legion Post #103 in Douglaston and the Catholic War Veterans and Auxiliary Post #1979 in Glen Oaks.

I have spoken to some who served in WWII. Again I salute Sailor Lou Conter who was a true hero who served with honor and bravery. I also praise all those in our military today who serve with courage and honor.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Bellerose