LETTERS: THE `SHOT HEARD 'ROUND THE WORLD' ECHOES TWO CENTURIES LATER.

The Minuteman National Historical Park in Lexington and Concord, Mass., preserves the scene of the fighting between the colonial militia and British troops on April 19, 1775, the day that launched the American War of Independence. At the North Bridge, the first ordered firing upon British troops resulted in ``the shot heard 'round the world.'' Along the Battle Road, colonials fired at the retreating British.

Every day it seems that we hear echoes of those shots coming from guerrilla fighters in Kosovo, Israel and Kurdistan who believe their cause is just, and we wonder when it will end. When will innocent civilians in these war-torn countries have to stop paying the price of war? Bombs fall from NATO warplanes in Yugoslavia, and unfortunate, innocent civilians are killed. Though our cause is just, we are creating enemies who want vengeance for lost loved ones. The old saying is ``what goes around comes around.'' We may win the battles that are being waged here, but tomorrow our children and grandchildren will have to pay the price for peace.

We celebrate July 4 as Independence Day. Let us take a moment, close our eyes and see those brave early settlers, with muskets in hand confronting an army of armed Redcoats, in a war that would last eight more years. On July 4, 1776, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia would proclaim us free men. On Sept. 3, 1783, the British gave up all hope of conquering the patriots. Let us give thanks to those brave patriots who gambled all so that we could live our lives as free men.

- Jerry Serota

Thousand Oaks 

North Ranch activist should be recognized

Very little (sometimes no) mention has been made of the North Ranch resident who, in 1994, had the vision to create the North Ranch Earthquake Preparedness Group (North Ranch EPG), which on June 5 had its annual meeting under the auspices of the North Ranch Homeowners Association for the first time.

Gloria White is that resident. It was Gloria who rallied neighbors after the Northridge Earthquake in an effort to form a community front of help and support in any subsequent disaster affecting our area. The concept born in Gloria's mind was presented in a meeting at her home. Needless to say, the response was positive and enthusiastic, and the EPG became a reality under Gloria's creative direction.

Very soon thereafter, nearly 50 homes had joined the EPG. The Disaster Committee was formed, and on June 5, 1994, the first earthquake drill was held.

The efforts of the EPG were serious. For example, members contributed funds to purchase three five-horsepower water pumps to secure the neighborhood in case of disaster. Emergency supply checklists were issued, and search-and-rescue teams were formed, fully equipped with walkie-talkies, crow bars and hard hats. And there were many more equally important projects.

Each year, drills were held on the first Sunday in June. So sophisticated and complete was the planning that the Red Cross offered its highest praise to Gloria and the committee members responsible.

With the background, perhaps proper recognition and thanks will be forthcoming.

- Ann De Graff 

Westlake Village