THIS ARTICLE IS COMMENTARY AND PUBLISHED IN OUR EDITORIAL SECTION.
By Randy Arrington, publisher
We would like to take this opportunity to wish a belated “Happy Birthday” to Jean Bradford of Luray, who turned 102 on November 16, 2025.
“Wishing you a happy birthday from all your friends and family!” was the message sent along with a photo from her granddaughter Marika Valles.
Having a perspective that dates back to November 16, 1923 — when Babe Ruth played for the Yankees and Coolidge would become President after the sudden death of Harding — lead Ms. Bradford to pen many letters to the editor over the years. The Courier often had several of her works in hand waiting to be published due to a policy of not publishing the same author two weeks in a row (i.e. limit of two letters per month). Her letters came in with such regularity that she and I would jokingly refer to them as her “column.”
We were recently attempting to get an interview with Ms. Bradford for our weekly YouTube show “Page Valley Livin'” but experienced a few scheduling problems. So, we offer our congratulations here for reaching heights that few enjoy the view from and celebrating your 102nd year on this planet.
May you have many more days to reflect on what a truly wonderful life it is, and thank you for all of the letters over the years. You always questioned, challenged, or even complained, in a cordial and polite tone that didn’t leave the opposition feeling attacked or outraged. It was an environment of “let’s agree to disagree”, one of mutual respect — one we wish the world would return to…one of realizing we have more in common to share and build together, than we do to fuel resentment and tear us apart.
May we all follow the example of Grandma Bradford — speak out and often, but with respect and empathy, especially those who think differently.
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