It is hard to watch as an honorable person is being slandered by people who know so little about him or his life. Rather than waste any time addressing untrue comments, I would like to tell you a little about this man who has blessed my life just by knowing him. I had the good fortune to know Bruce Ivins and now have a profound sadness at the loss of this friend. I am the typical loud American and I want to shout from the mountaintops that Bruce was the kind of man we look up to; the type of person who embodied all the qualities that we hope future generations of Americans possess. He was a decorated scientist and the humblest of men who didn't use his title as a status symbol. He picked up a mop or emptied the trash without a moment's hesitation. If he thought you were having a bad day he would offer candy or a catchy tune to cheer you up. If someone had to stay late to accomplish a task, Bruce would work with you so that the task would get completed faster. He was not the greatest athlete, but he was the best cheerleader present at every game to support his friends. I will truly miss his good humor, as there are few people in life who measure up to this man. I hope that he knew how much joy he brought to my life and others around him. If I learned anything from Bruce, it was to enjoy life and to always smile. His friendship brightened so many lives. I hope that Americans will remember Bruce for the funny and compassionate person that he was, because that is all Bruce knew how to be. AMANDA LANE Frederick
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