Joseph Ileto
* Thank you for “Mourners Remember Slain Mail Carrier” (Aug. 15). Joseph Ileto, a relative of mine, will be remembered by the family, friends, colleagues and dignitaries who attended his funeral on Saturday. Hopefully his spirit and generosity will be remembered by thousands more who read your story.
But we cannot simply remember. For all those who loved him, especially his mother, sisters and brothers, Joseph’s death must not be in vain. We as a society must strengthen our commitment to creating communities free of bigotry and racial hatred. We must sow the seeds of understanding and friendship between people of all colors so that hatred may have no soil in which to grow.
Your newspaper can be a powerful voice in the building of such a society. Tell the stories of all the peoples of Los Angeles, describe the joys and sorrows of all of our communities, so that we may see the humanity in all of us. Help us to understand one another. In doing so, you will honor Joseph Ileto’s memory and the memories of all who have died at the hands of racial hatred.
DENNIS VILLACORTE
Pomona
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