Letters of Thanks from Gen. Westmoreland to “Breakthrough”
22 November 1965
Mr. Donald J. Lobsinger, Chairman
Breakthrough P.O. Box 3061
Detroit, Michigan 48231
Dear Mr. Lobsinger:
Your letter and the accompanying signatures of over 6,000 citizens of the Detroit area indicating support for the efforts of our armed forces in Vietnam are reassuring and deeply appreciated.
I have forwarded them to the Command Information Officer for dissemination of this remarkable expression of public appreciation to our troops via our military newspaper.
On behalf of all the servicemen in this command, I extend my heartfelt thanks to you and the people who contributed to this overwhelming display of support.
Sincerely,
W.C. Westmoreland
General, United States Army
* * *
22 May 1966
Mr. Don Lobsinger
P.O. Box 3061
Detroit, Michigan 48231
Dear Mr. Lobsinger:
Your 7 May letter describing the parade held in Detroit on 30 April is deeply appreciated. The many meetings, parades, and other community activities expressing support of our armed forces in Vietnam have done much to convey encouragement to our troops.
Your efforts to sustain the morale of our men here on the frontline of democracy are indeed reassuring.
Sincerely,
W.C. Westmoreland
General, United States Army
The scene below was at Kennedy Square on May 15th when Sen. Robert Kennedy visited Detroit.
The macabre sign to the Senator’s right is held by a member of Breakthrough while the right-wing group picketed the speech that afternoon. [Sign held by protester reads: Give YOUR blood, Bob. All of it!]
One wonders if this is the “other community activities” that Gen. Westmoreland so “deeply appreciated” in his letter to Don Lobsiqger. photo by Dr. Squat