To the Editor:

Massena, New York has been an important part of world history. No matter if citizens were born, raised or had outside contacts -- the natives of our community were either there to witness an important event -- or contributed to a historical moment.

Some of the most influential movie stars and richest figures of the 20th century have quietly stepped through the corridors of the village. The list of famous Hollywood and musical entertainers who resided at a time in Massena is amazing. Sammy Davis Jr. danced downtown for nickels and dimes as a child. Judy Garland's grandmother was born in Massena. Janis Joplin stirred up mayhem with her friends. Dan Aykroyd was arrested for underage drinking. Let's hope Pee Wee Herman's Massena adventure won’t become a book.

Massena has also contributed to the progress of technology, science, inventions, medical innovations, and every entertainment culture. In recent years it seems "the outsiders" who shape our world have been a little disappointed in seeing their community change. They wish for future prosperity.

Those silent outsiders, who once roamed the streets of the community, know all about Massena's agony and pain since the closing of General Motors. They wish for every citizen to be more faithful. More confident. More intelligent to make it one of the best places in the world.

Be proud of Massena. Don't get negative. Make the silent outsiders brag about the community. They are watching closely the next stages of Massena. Some of the world events that Massena folks contributed or witnessed: The Watergate scandal and impeachment of President Richard Nixon, the first trip to the moon by Apollo spacemen, the death of Jimmy Hoffa, the invention of the vehicle signal light, the bootlegging of Al Capone, the crash of the Hindenburgh, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the election of Bobby Kennedy, the battle of the bulge, the bombings of the World Trade Center. Countless events.

Those of us still living in Massena, who never had large opportunities to leave, should hold on tightly. Keep pushing through any agony and pain. Just like those who endoured from our past.

John D. "Prince" Michaud III
Massena