sword with the blade pointed down, [a] symbol of the end of the conflict. Across her bosom she is holding an olive wreath, [the] symbol of peace. Below her, at the base, is the mournful epitaph: "The World War In Memory Of Those Who Gave Their Lives."

Monument To WWI Dead To The Editor: With reference to your informative article, "Thousands of Queens Men Drafted In September 1917" (Sept. 20) and with the coming of Veterans' Day, formerly Armistice Day, which commemorates the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, it is timely to comment on the aftermath of this bloody conflict wherein our armed forces sustained over 80,000 battlefield deaths. The names of many of these fallen combatants will never be known to history- but there is an exception. Situated [in the center of] Northern Boulevard between Leavitt Street and Linden Place is a monument dedicated to the fallen soldiers of Queens whose names are known to history and are engraved in grateful memory of their supreme sacrifice. Standing guard over this perpetual roll call of the dead is an august woman of the ages, symbolic of our country's triumph. Her face is grim with sadness over her assigned duty as sentry of the honored dead. On her back are wings fully extended, a sign of triumph. In her left hand she is holding a

Who is this iconic lady of classic sculpture. She is Nike, the Greek goddess of victory-our victory. Hyman Auslander Flushing

WWII Vet Remembers To The Editor:

Recently, I attended our annual military reunion of the 328th Infantry Combat Team regiment (part of the Yankee Division which is headquartered at Fort Devens, Mass.) in Atlantic City, N.J. The reunion marked 55 consecutive years of our meetings. The regiment was made famous by "Gary Cooper", who portrayed Sgt. York in the first World War.

Through the years, our ranks have been decimated owing to the death of many of our members. Of the remainder of our group, many suffer with crippling infirmities and are unable to attend. Those who can still manage, join us from far places- California, Oregon, Washington, Florida, the Midwest, etc.

At our general meeting, much of the discussion was devoted to the subject of this last lost generation who are either unaware or indifferent to the heroic sacrifices made by the millions of men and women who served in the armed forces, as well as the civilian population who completely supported the cause to liberate the world from the despots of Japan, Germany and Italy.

There is little mention today in the history books (possibly a paragraph or two), which has minimized the historical events of that era. The youth of today is unaware of the extraordinary events of Pearl Harbor, the war in the Pacific, Africa, Europe, D day, Buzz bombs over London, the Holocaust, and not to mention the over 50 million human beings which were slaughtered [civilians and military in all theaters].

At the end of the reunion, my wife and I motored to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial. I spent an hour reliving the years 1943, '44, '45 and tears came to my eyes as I remembered many of my comrades who had been killed and seriously wounded. Some of us survived and are telling the story. For you, veterans of our era, health permitting, I strongly advise that you visit the memorial which is a living tribute to the war which was fought across four of the world's seven continents. Name Withheld On Request Jackson Heights

Science And Religion To The Editor:

The assumption that science and religion are in conflict is constantly being reported on in the news these days, but is this assumption valid? Does such an oversimplified "war" metaphor encourage us to ignore important details? I believe that it does.

For example, The Big Bang model of the earth's creation, proposed initially in 1927 by Georges Lemaitre, a Belgian priest, offers evidence that science and theological views can "peacefully" coexist. The Big Bang model in its final form upholds the Christian notion of a cosmos with a definite beginning and a creatio ex nihilo ("creation out of nothing"). This article of faith stresses that God alone is eternal and is the creator of everything. Pope Pius XII embraced the Big Bang model in 1951.

Also, while it is true that science has furnished theology with a more verifiable sense of man's place in the world (e.g., scientific evidence showing progressive increases in the age of the earth and size of the universe has progressively undercut literalist biblical readings), it is also true that Christian theology provided significant institutional support (patronage) for studies of the natural world in the last millennium; the scholastic tradition of disputation was important to the advancement of science, and many founders of modern science were devout religious believers (e.g., Kepler, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Boyle).

That theologians and scientists exist in separate "camps" is a relatively recent division. Movement of ideas between theological and scientific thought has been more usually the case. Historical perspective underscores this fact and can allow us to engage in potentially valuable discourse about science and religion on a more thoughtful and productive level. Sincerely, Martin H. Levinson Forest Hills

Persecuted Over Parking To The Editor:

I have been living in Beechhurst for more than 20 years. In that time, I have been a patron of the Whitestone Public Library, attending various meetings, programs including the AARP drivers' courses and, of course, signing out so many books. I even contributed some. There's been a growth in book clubs. The library brings together the needed number [of copies] of the title, so the book club members can each read a copy and join in an informed discussion. Would you call that continued literacy and adult education?

Now when I drive to the shopping center, park, and visit the several merchants I need to see that day, I also step into the library less than 10 feet away. Now I am threatened by the sign that says if I step into the library, I will be towed away.

1. I understand why they now enforce no parking at the curbs in front of all the businesses. The signs have always been there and it's a matter of leaving space for fire engines, ambulances, police cars, and other needs of safety. But, there is no such need for doing that at the rear side of the parking area. There's no legal precedent for that. We never had "no parking" for the library.

2. I called Community Board 7 about that matter. They informed me that they had many complaints about the new sign up, especially since there are many library users who still have the library habit. Those who are older may be more fragile about walking long distances. I myself have a handicapped sticker, and I see many people with canes.

3. They are asking the owner of the shopping center for six measly spaces. That really isn't enough. That whole area seems quite empty, without many cars parked there. Most of the people use the area in front of the various businesses, not the rear. I was also told that they have cameras going, and when the towing company sees anyone parking and then going into the library, they sweep right down and tow the car away.

4. When the children come out of school, after 3 p.m. mothers bring them for special library programs or to return books and look for new ones. I have seen teenagers consulting the computers and using reference books or working together on reports for school. So do adults, for their health needs and general information.

5. This is not a "nice" thought, but what if the library became a bar that sold drinks where people could relax and whoop it up. Would they put up such a sign or would they create a direct path to its entrance? What are our values? Whom are they for?

This means a lot to me and most library users. Please help us. Ethel Olicker Beechhurst

Saddam Verdict Just To The Editor:

Another chapter has just unfolded in Iraq, with the sentence of death of Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity. There is a debate about the war in Iraq and our reasons for being there but one thing is crystal clear and that is, here is a man that was evil incarnate, a tyrant that killed his own people. He tortured, raped and imprisoned thousands by the flick of a pen, men, women and children who suffered greatly under his rule. Yet with this verdict a great victory for the Iraqi people and for their judicial system, where as they applied their own laws. Furthermore, Saddam was tried by his own people, in his own land, and that is what true democracy is all about. Sincerely Yours, Frederick R. Bedell, Jr. Bellerose