40 Years Later

Last February on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Santo Tomas Internment Camp, Manila, Philippines, you published a most interesting letter from Henry J. Annasenz, a first sergeant, H Troop, 5th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division, the group that broke through the walls of the prison, thereby effecting our liberation.

We found this letter fascinating since we (my husband, two sons and I) were among the prisoners. I attempted to reach Annasenz by telephone but was unsuccessful, so I, too, wrote a letter to The Times to express our gratitude to him and his fellow soldiers. You were gracious enough to publish the letter and one from Dennis J. Greene in the same issue.

Like the proverbial stone, this correspondence stirred ripples. I received a letter from Dan Balkin, a painter, who had been a medic in Santo Tomas, and telephone conversations with both Dennis and Henry. Recently, all of them assembled at our home for a reunion with us and other internees. It was a fantastic experience! Shared memories made us all feel as though we had been friends for years. We parted with resolutions to meet again soon.

Thank you, Times! The pen is indeed mightier than the sword.

KATHLEEN C. WATSON

Pasadena