Walter Cronkite's passing brings a distinct sorrow

Regarding Walter Cronkite ("America's Anchorman Dies," July 18): As a child in the '40s, my family "did the news" at 6 p.m. every night with names that populated my imaginary world -- no faces to go with them, no PR touting them -- just names that brought our radio to life and told us what was happening around the world in a time of serious troubles and concerns. There was H.V. Kaltenborn, Gabriel Heatter, Edward R. Murrow (my favorite voice) and Eric Sevareid (whose name was pure poetry to this youngster).

Later, after Murrow and Sevareid, there was Cronkite. Always with depth and sonorous tone, he would tell us what was happening in the world and we would listen intently -- my parents hushing us if we dared interrupt his reportage.

On television we could see the face that went with that incredible voice. By that time, I was a student of content and Walter Cronkite was an extraordinary teacher.

One grows up with icons assumed and imposed, but Walter Cronkite was an extraordinary symbol of truth and integrity. Even in the worst of times, he was such a presence who reassured us in the face of disaster. I knew the meaning of "serious" when I heard the voice of Walter Cronkite and, simultaneously, believed we were "safe" as long as he was "there."

Now in my late 70s, I have witnessed the passing of many icons, heroes and villains who have colored our history. But this loss, among so many, brings its own peculiar sorrow. Walter Cronkite was a man of vision and perspective, a man of wit and wisdom, a man for all of our seasons. And that's really the way he was.

 

LOIS I. GREENBERG
Castle Shannon