Felix de Weldon

I had no idea that the Marine Corps Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery was designed by an active-duty sailor, Felix de Weldon, or I might have felt better about the “donations” I made as an enlisted Marine in the early 1950s (obituary, June 10). In those days we were paid our pittance in cash, and I still grit my teeth when I think of the gunnery sergeant -- who assigned work details -- standing near the pay table collecting donations for the memorial fund. But, half a century later, I rationalize that it was for a good cause.

Mike Lawrence

San Diego