Dear Mr. Haulman,
Thank you for allowing space for a permanent remembrance of those who died in Jonestown. The many people who lost friends and loved ones will, after so many years, at last have a memorial, and one that seems more fitting in its quietly beautiful simplicity. I am grateful to you and to Evergreen Cemetery that so many of those who died in Jonestown have a peaceful place to lie, and that now, all will finally have their names inscribed in marble.
I know that you especially understand that memorials such as this one, planned by a group of caring and thoughtful people are a very important part of the grieving process – which has no end – but I wanted to add my voice of support for the project. As a teacher at Opportunity II High in San Francisco in 1976, I came to know many of the wonderful young people who went to Jonestown. Tragically, so many of them never returned to complete their lives, which were full of promise. I am glad that after 33 years, I will be able to find their names, to know they are not forgotten.. As for Jim Jones’s name being there, it’s a simple fact that he died, and as his son JIm Junior has said, history has described him quite accurately.
I plan to attend the ceremony on May 29 and hope to be able to thank you in person.
Sincerely yours,
Judy Bebelaar
San Francisco public high school teacher (37 years)