The nation’s mall

I am in complete agreement with Christopher Knight (“America’s Maul,” April 20) concerning Washington’s National Mall. “Maul” is the perfect verb for what is happening to this beautiful area that should remain open.

When I lived in Rockville, Md., from 1963 to 1974, I took my children to the Smithsonian buildings on Sundays. On the Fourth of July the whole family had picnics with friends and watched the fireworks on the mall. This location should remain for such national family gatherings.

Linda Stone

Chatsworth