John Kennedy

Regarding the recovery of John F. Kennedy Jr.’s aircraft, July 22: It’s reassuring to know that if my loved ones go down at sea in a private plane the combined might of the Coast Guard, Navy, NOAA, the White House, local law enforcement and the press corps will charge out there and make it their “first priority” to get them back. I just remembered that I’m not wealthy--that wouldn’t have anything to do with it, would it?

MATTHEW P. MACKENZIE

Temple City

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I do not feel that President Clinton has to explain to anyone why he used the Coast Guard to search for the bodies of the Kennedys and Lauren Bessette.

VIVIAN BAKEN

Los Angeles

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JFK Jr.’s sudden and tragic death robbed a nation of someone we now mourn and never realized how much we secretly loved and admired. We had so much time to get to know him and never did, and now scramble desperately to find a friend or footage that can give us glimpse into his life.

Hopefully, this tragedy has made us appreciate even more those we love and who surround us, as we have once again become aware of how quickly they can be taken away, leaving us with the despair of not have taken the time to be a more significant part of their lives.

GREGORY D. GILMOUR

Orange