As loyal Wal-Mart shoppers, we are writing to urge our favorite store not to proceed with their plans to build near the Wilderness Battlefield in Virginia.
Having lived in that area for a number of years, where Tom served as pastor of the Wilderness Baptist Church, we can attest to the unique historic importance and rugged beauty of that area, which earned it the name "Wilderness."
While we respect the desire of Wal-Mart to increase its presence in that area of Virginia, we join with others who would be disappointed should company executives turn a deaf ear to the many historians and local residents who believe the character of the Wilderness area would be diminished by the presence of a Wal-Mart so nearby.
The Rev. Thomas A. and
Raleigh, N.C.