Navy should talk with the neighbors

Regarding the Jan. 7 editorial, “Navy’s wake-up call is never unwelcome”: There is more to this story, especially for those of us who don’t happen to be awake, or want to be aroused, at 8 a.m., seven days per week, even on holidays. Some work nights, have difficulties sleeping, or work different hours than those required by the Navy. Some simply march to a different drummer.

I have to agree completely with the Jan. 9 letter, “Navy needs to keep tradition on base.” I live almost directly across the street from Naval Station Everett. The sound of the morning bugle call remains intrusive and, quite frankly, unwelcome to me and to many of my neighbors. I have called the Naval base many times. Only once has anyone from the base bothered to return my call. This single call, unfortunately, resulted in no change in the volume or direction of the canned broadcast. This does not indicate any concern by the Navy for its neighbors.

If the letter writer’s assertions are correct, and the volume level and speaker direction are the result of an order by a new base commander, I suggest that he set up a meeting as quickly as possible with the affected neighbors and work toward a solution that works for all.

I have a few suggestions: 1) Direct the speakers and volume so that only residual sound impacts the neighbors. This should be easy to accomplish. When our windows are closed, we should not hear a bugle call. When open, it should be a whisper. 2) For those off base wishing to hear the bugle calls, take The Herald up on its suggestion of checking Web sites for access. They are numerous. Here’s a start: bands.army.mil/music/bugle/reveille.asp.

I await the base commander’s call.

Lloyd Weller

Everett