Moving tale prompts many readers to respond

Here are excerpts from e-mails, calls and cards from just a few of the readers who responded to Bill Knudsen's essay about his search for his father:

"Your article brought tears to our entire family's eyes, as my wife's father was at Auschwitz, and we are now dedicated to take a similar trek and pay our respects to the American fighting men who are buried in France. We will begin our trip at the American Cemetery at Normandy."

Brian, Bellevue

"My wife and I have also been to Normandy, and we were incredibly touched by Mr. Knudsen's story in The Times. It was beautifully written and we congratulate both The Times and Mr. Knudsen for bringing us his story."

Bob, Mercer Island

"I have had a number of 'driveway moments' through NPR that have brought me to tears, but never with a local newspaper. His article was stunning. My father was there not as a fighting man, but rather as a reporter. But even he did not do it justice like Mr. Knudsen's article did."

Andrew, Seattle

"One of the very best stories I have ever read in a newspaper, very real. It really made me think about how times have changed. I cried uncontrollably through the entire article."

Megan, Mercer Island

"What a moving article; I cried as I read it. Thank you for publishing it for us to read. Mr. Knudsen is fortunate to have had three parents who loved him so dearly, and they are all lucky to have him for a son."

Pat, Lynnwood

"Thank you for the touching story. I was in Normandy just two years ago, and Mr. Knudsen's vivid description describes it to a T. During the war, I was in the Royal Air Force and was stationed in Germany after the war. I had a feeling of immense pride in both our countries as I read his article."

Bruce, Bellingham

"What an incredible story. For the first time ever I read the Travel section first and was so taken by it that I read it several times over, and never did get to my sports section."

Gary, Seattle

"I'm sure this trip was extremely emotional for you and somehow it probably gave you some closure on your father. While I despise war and everything it stands for, I pray we have more men like your father fighting for our side, if we must fight."

Lea, Kansas City

"WOW, it is tough reading your article without tears welling up in my eyes. I am sad that you never got to know your father, but incredibly proud that you represent him so well. You are doubly blessed to know the quality of man that conceived you, as well as the quality of the man who raised you."

Kevin, Portland

"This is a sad, but wonderful story. With pride, you know that your father fought for this country and that we are FREE because of men like him. Let's all hope none of us forget the sacrifice of millions who fought and died for us."

Ken, Clyde Hill

"My wife and I spent three years in German concentration camps. We were freed by the 101st Airborne and we will never be able show our appreciation enough. After the war we saved every nickel we made for seven years and moved to America in 1951. Our proudest moment of our life was gaining our U.S. citizenship in 1959. We owe our lives to men like Bill Cuthbert and just wanted to express our appreciation to him, and you, for telling us his story."

Case, North Seattle