JULY 4 PROFILE: National pride finds home in local man

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July 3, 2006

By Carly Peterson The Niagara Gazette Mon Jul 03, 2006, 08:16 PM EDT

Harvey Lettman wakes up each morning with the flag in the back of his mind.

The Town of Tonawanda resident’s patriotism is rooted deep beneath the laugh lines on his face and his casual, quick smile. Lettman’s patriotism is his confidence, which has grown and matured as he did.

“Every day I wake up and cherish that I live in America,” he said. “Some people don’t realize they have everything here. I grew up thinking that way and enjoying and appreciating life.”

A staff sergeant in the Army Reserves in the ’60s, Lettman said some things built loyalty to his country with breakneck speed. Like that one November day, when President John F. Kennedy was shot. Like the day two tall buildings in New York City were reduced to rubble.

“The day they knocked out buildings in New York City ripped my heart apart,” Lettman said.

Brain Marath, a friend of Lettman’s, said patriotism such as this is a reflection of Lettman’s entire personality.

“He’s down to earth, humble and willing to help anybody,” Marath said. “He’s just a good guy all around and you don’t really meet to many people like that.”

Lettman typifies the American life in the Tonawandas. He’s a fisherman, who plays piano at nursing homes, and feels blessed by the natural beauty that surrounds him.

He can’t sing. That much he’ll admit. But it doesn’t stop the applause he gets from the audiences for which he plays.

“I can’t read a note of music, but God gave me a gift and I like to spread my good feelings with others,” he said. “I have been playing the piano since I was six years old. I was drawn to it. I can’t read, but I have perfect pitch.”

If he’s away from the Tonawandas, Lettman is likely out on a cruise somewhere. It’s a way to meet a rainbow of people, to see as many facets of the American personality as one can, Lettman said.

Still, it’s good to be home.

“I love looking at my flag,” he said. “I wave it every day.”

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