Evening star., 1955-01-15
veteruns' Service Center

The Stars concern about the un-
slightly appearance OF the Veterans
Service Center at 1850 Pennsylvania
avenue NV, with the proposal that
the building be demolished. did not
take into consideration the need for
the work that is being performed there.
I have never thought OF the Veterans
Service Center as being IAN unsightly
shack" but, rather, as building OF
which the people Of Washington can
be proud because Of the work that is
being accomplished there for its vet
race, creed or position.
As veteran who received such help
not too long ago. ] know from experi-
ence what 8 center such as this can DO
for a persons confidence In himself
and his future. I can speak from OBJ
serYation of men and women who come
to the center confused, lacking conf
denee in themselves sometimes almost
desperate-and sometimes hungry
After talking with trained counselors
who give them practical help with
their problems, they leave with their
heads little higher. their shoulders
q little straighter, with smiles on their
faces and hope in their eyes.
To me, the Veterans Service Center
is far more important than nicely
moved lawn, and am definitely OPP
posed to any thought Of tearing down
the building in which such wonderful
work is being done for the men who,
not too long ago, made 1T possible for
there to be an American nag flying
over this building and all America!
Marion /. Chadwick.
very much object to your article OF
December 80, referring to the Veterans
Service Center bungalow as an ugly
shack
To me, it is symbol Of the friendli-
ness and help that the District offers
to all veterans and servicemen alike.
It is convenient, easy to find. and no
serviceman who has ever visited there
forgets the kindness and assistance
extended to him.
True, it may be temporary build
ing" and not in keeping with the ar
chitecture of the other surrounding
buildings. but 1t is neat and clean, and
the District would do well to keep all
its other buildings in as good state
of repair.
say Let 1t stand" until the District
finds another site that win be as central
and convenient. so that the center can.
continue to do the fine job it has always
done in assisting the veteran to adjust
to civilian life.
Henry H. Howard.
! have lived in Washington all my
life, and have never thought Of the
''little cottage" 1850 Pennsylvania ave-
nue. NV. directly in front Of the Dis
trict Building, as an "eyesore." It Is
clea1I freshly painted and offers an
attractive and friendly place for vet
Grams and their families, regardless OF
race, creed or branch Of service they
served in, to receive information and
help with their problems.
If this building, provided by the Dis
trict government for the service of its
veterans were to be torn down, where
would these veterans turn when they
need help? j know Of no other one
stop place where these men, who de-
serve SO much, can receive such effec-
tipe help
LET us keep faith with our veterans
and let the Veterans Service Center
keep operating where it now is!
- - Jean Mcfarland.
The Stars article on the Veterans
Service Center and the proposed abol.
ishment Of the building is unwarranted.
Continuous service to veterans, as
rendered by the center, Is far more
important than the landscaping project
recommended.
Dorothy L. Linden.