On Earth Day, April 22, 1970, my husband (a military veteran) and I were at Fort Miles, in a little cabin, which we had rented through the Fort Meade community’s recreation office.
There was machinery present at the front entrance, which is now a parking area.
It was not there to raze the big dunes (which had the radar equipment) but to facilitate placements for trailers.
These accommodations were meant to give soldiers returning from Vietnam and their families a place to rent and relax in peace.
Interestingly, at the same time, big machinery was leveling the area that is now the large parking lot at the park.
Yes, Dr. John Stenger worked on environmental issues — and we appreciate his work. However, Earth Day in 1970 was also the height of the Vietnam War.
Fort Miles felt like a wonderful place for military families to feel safe.
And, again, the dune was never in danger of being razed!
Edith G. Linnen
James R. Linnen
Lewes
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