|
Published: July 03, 2006 08:16 pm
JULY 4 PROFILE: National pride finds home in local man
By Carly Peterson
Niagara Gazette
Harvey Lettman wakes up each morning with the flag in the back of his mind.
The Town of Tonawanda resident’s patriotism is rooted deep beneath the laugh lines on his face and his casual, quick smile. Lettman’s patriotism is his confidence, which has grown and matured as he did.
“Every day I wake up and cherish that I live in America,” he said. “Some people don’t realize they have everything here. I grew up thinking that way and enjoying and appreciating life.”
A staff sergeant in the Army Reserves in the ’60s, Lettman said some things built loyalty to his country with breakneck speed. Like that one November day, when President John F. Kennedy was shot. Like the day two tall buildings in New York City were reduced to rubble.
“The day they knocked out buildings in New York City ripped my heart apart,” Lettman said.
Brain Marath, a friend of Lettman’s, said patriotism such as this is a reflection of Lettman’s entire personality.
“He’s down to earth, humble and willing to help anybody,” Marath said. “He’s just a good guy all around and you don’t really meet to many people like that.”
Lettman typifies the American life in the Tonawandas. He’s a fisherman, who plays piano at nursing homes, and feels blessed by the natural beauty that surrounds him.
He can’t sing. That much he’ll admit. But it doesn’t stop the applause he gets from the audiences for which he plays.
“I can’t read a note of music, but God gave me a gift and I like to spread my good feelings with others,” he said. “I have been playing the piano since I was six years old. I was drawn to it. I can’t read, but I have perfect pitch.”
If he’s away from the Tonawandas, Lettman is likely out on a cruise somewhere. It’s a way to meet a rainbow of people, to see as many facets of the American personality as one can, Lettman said.
Still, it’s good to be home.
“I love looking at my flag,” he said. “I wave it every day.”
|
|
|
Photos
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Technicians
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS
Exam Date: 9/12/09
Filing Period:
7/6/09 -7/22/09
EXAM FEE: $20.00
N.F. WA...>MORE
Packagers
Packagers , General
Production & Assembly. 1st shift. Sanborn area.
Remedy, 298-4933...>MORE
Customer Service
Niagara Orleans Country Club is looking for part time help through October in club house. Some weekends required. Apply ...>MORE
LPNS
LPNS, Certifid HHA's and Certified PCA/s needed. Several shifts available. Full and part time hours. Must be able to wor...>MORE
Nurses
NURSES
RNs & LPNs
We have assignments available in home care
& staffing.
Interim Health Care...>MORE
Store Manager
STORE MANAGER - Looking for individual with strong leadership and customer service skills to run convenience store in Lo...>MORE
Spanish Teacher
SPANISH Teacher-F/T, Exp., NYS Cert. Send resume to khalgash@ wny.twcbc.com or St. Peter RC School 140 N. 6th St., Lewis...>MORE
Cashiers
CASHIERS - Looking for cashiers for convenience store in Wrights Corners. Call 689-0600 ext. 31. ...>MORE
Housekeeping Aide
Housekeeping Aide. Day shift. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include some week-ends and holidays. Dependabl...>MORE
Cleaners
Housekeeping, Summer/ permanent help, p/t-4 day work wk, no w/e, bonuses, car nec. 694-2810 ...>MORE
See all ads |
Audi 1998 A6 Sedan
Audi 1998 A6 Sedan with 160k miles. Charcoal ext., Tan int., 4DR, Automatic, AWD, 6 Cylinder, Gas engine. Pow...>MORE
Dodge 2001 SLT
‘O1 DODGE SLT, 8’ bed, cap, spray line, low miles. Never seen winters, $7,300. 998-0230...>MORE
Ford 1993 Taurus
FORD 1993 Taurus, just inspected, runs good $900 or best offer,
284-0244...>MORE
FORD 1999 150
FORD 1999 150 pickup, good cond., tool box, bedliner, standard, $2500 or BO. 523-3653...>MORE
Ford 1999 150 Truck
FORD 1999 150 pickup, good cond., tool box, bedliner, standard, $2500 or BO. 523-3653...>MORE
Dodge 1996 Grand Caravan
Niagara Falls
2753 NIAGARA ST.
FRI. SAT.
9AM-4PM
oriental rug, old tools, antique car parts, toys, ...>MORE
1997 Ford Taurus GL
FORD 1997 Taurus GL, good condition, cold A/C, cruise, 1 owner, white. $1995 or BO. 990-6187....>MORE
1950 Plymouth Custom
PLYMOUTH 1950 Custom, 4 dr, good shape, $1,500/BO. 795-0074...>MORE
1990 Chevy 2500
1990 CHEVY 2500 pick up, fresh paint, 160k mi, good runner, 4WD, ext cab, $2500, 716-572-9153...>MORE
Pontiac 2004 Grand Prix GT
PONTIAC 2004 Grand Prix GT 4 door, good cond, $8000, 998-5596...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|
Print this story
E-mail this story
