Brinkley continued to inform us

I'd like to add a slightly contrarian voice to many who justifiably mourn Walter Cronkite ("America's Anchorman Dies," July 19). Yes, Mr. Cronkite was an unforgettable presence during a tumultuous time in American history.

But so was David Brinkley, who unlike Mr. Cronkite, did not retire to his sailboat after leaving his anchor duties. Instead, Mr. Brinkley went on to create one of the best Sunday network talk shows of all time. ABC-TV's "This Week with David Brinkley" was an award-winning platform from which Mr. Brinkley informed and illuminated for nearly 20 more years.

Walter Cronkite was an icon, and my memories of him on the day JFK died are indelible. But Mr. Brinkley was, for many more years, a living, breathing force in the news, and my memories of him are as a vital, committed newsman who helped me better understand the world.

JOHN KICHI
Sewickley Hills