Readers Remember

I came to Los Angeles in 1983 and quickly secured a waitressing position on the banquet team at Chasen’s restaurant.

My first event was a lavish party thrown by Nancy Reagan and Frank Sinatra to honor the visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. The Chasen’s team set up under an ample tent on the 20th Century lot.

The guest list was practically every major star that Hollywood had ever produced. I served wine to Bette Davis, chicken pot pie to Gene Kelly.

Word among the waiters was that as a teenager Queen Elizabeth was a fan of Perry Como. When he came to the stage to sing with Frank Sinatra, I witnessed the queen of England prop her arms up on her table and gaze dreamily at Como.

SUZANNE PRESCOTT

Valley Glen

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In early August 1944, I was stationed in New Guinea. Early one morning I heard my name being called and I turned around and found my cousin Michael Olivette greeting me. We were thousands of miles from our home and here we meet on an island. We took several pictures and talked late into the night.

On Oct. 20, 1944, my unit landed on Leyte Island for the invasion of the Philippines. A few weeks later I received word that Michael had been killed in action just a few miles away. I treasure those pictures and memories of our earlier meeting. I am grateful for meeting him as we shared our thoughts and hopes for the future.

VINCENT A. MIGLIAZZO

Los Angeles

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In 200 words or less, send us your memories, comments or eyewitness accounts of the 20th century. Write to Century, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or e-mail century@latimes.com.