To the editor:

I write this short letter to express my disappointment with the “powers that be” who instructed the gatekeepers at the Lawrence Municipal Airport to turn away people who were interested in seeing the World War II aircraft on display Sunday. My family of four and two friends drove out at 7 p.m. The young gentlemen at the airport gate said the shuttle buses stopped running at 7:30 p.m. When I told him it was only 7:10 p.m., he corrected himself and said they stopped at 7 p.m.

Who knows why the shuttle buses stopped running before the exhibit ended at 8 p.m.? We also were informed that we could not park at the airport and walk to the planes since the runway was active. We tried another lot closer to the aircraft which was designated for the handicapped. Despite the several open spaces, the gatekeeper would not permit us to park. He was instructed to turn people away and suggested parking at Teepee Junction, which must have been 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile away. Thanks a lot.

The planes were supposed to be on display until 8 p.m., but with no reasonable place to park, the exhibit was closed for us. It’s too bad the second day of display was on a work day (Monday). Maybe Lawrence’s new motto should be, “Welcome to Lawrence — We’ll turn you away for no good reason!” We could put it next to the sister city signs.

P.S. Despite my frustration, I would like to thank former Sen. Bob Dole for six decades of service to our country.

William Lane,

Lawrence