Walter Cronkite, the CBS news anchor for most of my early life, has died.
Growing up, I can remember watching him as he announced President Kennedy's death, and the death of Dr. King.
And I remember watching the landing of Apollo 11 along with him, watching his pure enjoyment and delight and amazement in that accomplishment - reflecting the emotions of the rest of the country.
For many years, he was the only news person that I really trusted to 'tell it like it was'. If Walter Cronkite said it, then it had to be true.
After he left the airwaves and I learned that his personal beliefs didn't mirror my own, his image in my mind was slightly tarnished - oh the memories were still there, but not as bright somehow.
But after listening to and watching those who call themselves 'news anchors' or whatever the term du jour might be - I'm seeing those memories again through a less shaded glass.
Yes, "Uncle Walter" might have been a liberal in his personal life, but unlike the news people of today, whose personal leanings are all too evident in their 'reporting', he kept his personal feelings out of the newsroom - except for his report about the war in Vietnam - and for that I salute him. I hope that other newscasters will take his example and with his death realize that they, too, must be able to put aside their personal beliefs and simply tell the people watching the truth, and let them decide for themselves how they feel about it.
Thank you, Mr. Cronkite, for all of the wonderful - and sad - memories from my youth.
Rest in Peace. You'll be missed.
