In these times of gloom and doom, it is exciting to discover some place that is good, forward-looking and constructive. The Bangor Veterans Home is truly such a place.

When I learned an old friend was in the Bangor Veterans Home, I dreaded visiting him because of reports I had heard of the poor conditions in such places. But my fears were allayed by the modern, cheerful, well-designed and well staffed facility I found on turning left just short of the Hogan Road Fire Station: plenty of windows and light, beautifully colored and decorated walls, people at the reception and nursing stations who were proud of the place and knew what they were doing and who, where and how their patients were.

My friend had been in and out of the Eastern Maine Medical Center and said the operations of the two organizations were dovetailed and coordinated perfectly. This is the sort of treatment our veterans, young and old, deserve. They have put themselves on the line for us, and we should give the best short- or long-term care we can. The Veterans Administration is doing just that in the Bangor Veterans Home, and we should all be proud of it.

Oliver Crosby

Hancock