Eddie Morin

* I want to add several comments about Eddie Morin, featured in George Ramos’ column (“In War, They Don’t Ask What Race You Are,” April 18): I am a schoolteacher who has known Eddie for the last 13 years. I met him when I asked him to paint a slogan on a wall, so that my sixth-grade students could read it whenever they wished. Although it was a small job, his enthusiasm was readily felt: He was more than happy to do what he could because he believed in children and supported their education.

Over the years, Eddie has applied his skilled hands and thoughtful creativity to a variety of school surfaces in East Los Angeles and Sunland/Tujunga. His murals vibrate on the walls of schools: Their names are Evergreen, Harrison, Lorena, Fourth Street, Sunland and Brainard. And because his work has always been accomplished with the same joy of contribution he first demonstrated, his images are rich and inspiring.

I have also had the privilege of hearing him say, “It is for the children that I am doing this.” So it comes as no surprise when he speaks similar words about the Bakersfield soldier. This is the Eddie I know and admire. And this is the Eddie that children will gasp over and talk about, when they see his work in classrooms and libraries and outside walls, although few will ever know his name.

DONALD KENNEDY

Altadena