Readers Remember

It is February 1945, and an Air Force lieutenant summons me to a conference room in the Air Force headquarters in downtown Casablanca.

“You’re head sergeant here, aren’t you?” he asks. “This must be kept secret: Roosevelt’s plane is now at the airport. We want you packed and ready to leave at dawn tomorrow; you’re going to the Yalta Conference.

“Right now, have some table place cards prepared with this list of names on them. Oh, and two sets of signs that say ‘MEN’ and ‘WOMEN’--the ones at Yalta are in Russian, wouldn’t you know.”

The following morning, I am informed that I am needed in Casablanca; I am not going to Yalta after all.

Shortly after the Yalta Conference, I encounter the lieutenant and ask if everything went well.

“From where I was stationed,” he informs me, “I couldn’t tell if they used the place cards. But, boy howdy, I can assure you everyone was grateful for the restroom signs; you have made quite a contribution to history.”

HERB BERGMAN

Woodland Hills

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I was born the year World War II ended. Growing up, I remember thinking, “When we reach the year 2000, I’m going to be so old!” And here we are.

PAULI CARNES

From the Internet

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What do you recall most about the 20th century? In 200 words or less, send us your memories, comments or eyewitness accounts. We will publish as many as we can on this page until the end of the year. Write to Century, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or e-mail century@latimes.com. We regret that we cannot acknowledge individual submissions. Letters may be edited for space.