Travel letters: The significance of Sand Creek, plus fond memories of Macedonia

Regarding “Where Sorrow Meets Solace,” by Thomas Curwen, July 31: Thank you for the articles on Sand Creek. I am a descendant of Ochinee (One-Eye), who was killed at the massacre, and I grew up with stories of the tribe and the massacre.

I am grateful to my grandmother for keeping the memory alive and sharing her stories of Amache (Ochinee’s daughter) and Amache’s daughter, Mary.

Two years ago, I visited Sand Creek for the first time with my father; it is hard to explain the depth of meaning it has for both of us.

He continues to visit the site when he can, and we plan to go back together.

Thank you for appreciating the significance of Sand Creek and helping others to understand.

Marlaigne Dumaine, Sacramento

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Congratulations to Curwen and the Los Angeles Times on an outstanding travel article on the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site in Colorado. The article was succinct but comprehensive, heartfelt and sad.

It is an unsung story about Native Americans and what our military forces did to them at Sand Creek, an action that was approved up the chain of command, including President Lincoln.

Gilbert G. Thibault, Laguna Beach

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This morning, I read the Sand Creek article and wept. Not only for the horrible actions that took place but also because I am 57 and this is the first time I’ve heard of this tragedy. I’m left wondering why my high school history classes were so whitewashed and seemed to completely ignore this stain on American history.

I remember that the first time I heard about Manzanar, the Japanese internment camp, I was a second-semester senior in high school. I felt completely betrayed by every history teacher whose class I had taken. I’m feeling that way again right now.

It is necessary for American citizens to recognize all parts of our country’s history. Knowledge is power and keeps us from repeating events like this. We need to realize that what happened at Sand Creek is important and the result of dividing people into subgroups based on race and religion — something that is happening in our current political world.

Colleen Cope, Upland

Macedonia memories

I really enjoyed Margo Pfeiff’s articles on Macedonia [“Go Wild, Civilly,” July 24]. I have very fond memories of traveling through that part of what was then Yugoslavia in 1979.

Our family was traveling from Greece in our VW camper (what else?), and after a short stop at the border to get a visa and some local currency, we motored into the beautiful countryside of Macedonia as described by Pfeiff.

Two things about this part of the country stay with me to this day. As we drove by, people would wave to us in a very welcoming way, and it’s the only time I’ve ever gotten out of a speeding ticket.

The speed limits on curves are not suggestions like here; they are speed limits. The policeman asked for the fine to be paid on the spot. I handed him the only local currency I had, which was 50 times more than the fine.

After a few minutes, he handed the money back — he couldn’t make change — and sent me on my way with a smile.

Richard Finerman, Palm Springs