Your birthday messages

Hundreds of tributes to Alistair Cooke have been pouring in from all over the world on the occasion of his 90th birthday. All of your e-mails will be sent to the man himself, but you can read a selection here.

Warm greetings on your birthday and many thanks for all your books, programmes and broadcasts. I can't remember a time in my life when I was not enthralled by your work. Many more birthdays!
Janet Freeman, New Zealand

Many congratulations on reaching your 90th birthday, I hope that we will enjoy you reaching many more to come! My wife and I have been regular listeners to your "Letter from America" since the early seventies and have rarely missed a broadcast. Our children used to consider the words Alistair Cooke synonymous with "be quiet". We even caught them listening at times, although they would never admit it! Thank you for bringing so much interest to our Sunday mornings. Your perceptive insights do much to counter the often negative comments which are made about America. Thank you again,
Mervyn and Jocelyn Pannett

Congratulations on reaching your 90th birthday. I have been a regular listener of your letter to America for about 20 years and I have enjoyed your commentary on world events , because you explain them so well, and in so much historical depth. You always make your point without being cruel or offensive, and use our language as it was meant to be used. The gentle delivery of your "letter" is a delight to listen to. May you live long and keep up the good work.
John Hill, Chalfont St. Peter, England

Many congratulations on your 90th Birthday. I wish you to know the enjoyment you have brought to me whilst listening to your talks is immeasurable. Keep going. Your ability to explain the unexplainable is unique.   Very Best Wishes  
Jeffrey Knight

I stumbled across your broadcasts by chance aged 10 when playing with a crystal set in a  playing field of a spartan boarding school in Kenya in 1958.  When we moved onto (illegal) transistor radios you came in a bit louder. With occasional lapses as a student your broadcasts have been staple fare ever since. You have thus made a comment on just about every phase of my life and I feel cheated if I miss the weekly fix.  Many thanks - impossible to say how much I have enjoyed it all. Even the next generation is getting enthused. Can you do another 40 years?
Simon Hart

It is a great pleasure to wish you a very Happy Birthday Mr Cooke. We are also grateful for your insightful comment these many years, on the gamut of human experience wherever you find it. We trust the effort has been as rewarding for you as it has for us. We wish you every happiness in all that you find to do in the year to come and those that follow.
Symen and Michelle Gjaltema, Singapore

As avid Sunday morning listeners to your "Letter from America" for more years than we care to remember, we send you our sincere good wishes for very many happy returns of the day in good health coupled with many more happy Sunday mornings (for us) "on air".
Susan and Peter Sinclair , UK

When I arrived in Britain from Poland in 1970, the first thing which came to my attention were your "Letters from America". For the first 10 years I read and studied them, they were regarded by me as a text book for an improvement of my English. Somehow, I inherited from my neighbour next door, a copy of your  Letters from America, signed by you and with your phonograph from your visit to Scotland. I think it was St Andrews.  So you're somehow "connected" with me and I owe you a lot. All the best for a next 100 years of broadcasting and writing for the benefit of all of us. Yours -
J.D. Ross, Glasgow  

Greetings from Dublin. As someone half your age, I feel that your Letter from America has been a part of my life from as far back as when I first heard a radio broadcast from the BBC Home Service on the southwest coast of Ireland. The programme has always been informative, thought-provoking and frequently amusing; what more can one ask? May I wish you warmest birthday wishes and thank you for your outstanding achievement.
Gerard Coakley

Well done Alistair in moving from medium to medium. I used to listen to you regularly up to about 10 years ago. Then I was too busy, kids and work etc. Just rediscovered you via the Internet and listen to you whenever I want to! It's great! You are great! I have really enjoyed your views and opinions. Good Luck and Happy Birthday...to one of my all time heroes.
Mick Mckenna, Glasgow Scotland

Congratulations on reaching your 90th birthday! Thank you for all the years of Letter from America which I have enjoyed for a very long time indeed. You helped me learn about America, Americans and the English language when I was a little girl newly arrived in Wales from Greece in 1949. I still listen to your program regularly via BBC World Service on Short-wave and now the internet too! All the best for another 90 great years. Best personal regards and thanks to one of the best,
Katina (Sgontzou) Long, Dunlap, Illinois, USA

I'd been listening to your 'Letter From America' on the BBC World Service for about 15 years, before emigrating from Russia to America in 1994. I cannot say I understood everything, especially not knowing the realities of the Western world, but your common sense, warmth and humor did not fail to get through anyway. I'll never forget those wonderful week-ends at my dacha 40 miles south of St Petersburg where me and my girl-friend used to listen to your 15-minute programs. The very tone of your voice was kind of therapeutical, implying somehow - well, for me, at least - that things were not that bad in this world. I wish you all the best on your 90th birthday, many many happy returns of the day, and to stay in good health for the sake of your grateful listeners and readers.
Andrew Alexandrov

I send you, along with best wishes for a happy birthday, my grateful thanks for the education, pleasure and delight that you have provided me across the years. I first began to listen to your "Letter" when I was a homesick student in London in 1958. Now, I live on an isolated farm in Virginia, and I listen to you via the BBC coming in on my satellite dish. Do write many more letters!
Sue H. Stephenson

As a fellow named Alistair, I take particular delight in wishing Mr. Cooke a 90th birthday. I grew up in Canada (Scottish Mum, English-Canadian Dad) where the name Alistair is, to say the least, rare and unusual. I have spent a lifetime enduring silly little lines like "Oh you must be related to Alistair McLean" or "Are you Alistair Cooke's son?" Some people have no imagination ... When I was a lad of 12, we started watching Masterpiece Theater and Upstairs Downstairs in particular. I loved watching Mr. Cooke's introductions, and got a special thrill out of knowing that we shared a first name. (After years of name-calling on school playgrounds, I felt a particular solidarity with this urbane and witty gentleman ... I told myself, he has endured having a distinctive first name, and look at him now!) Later, when Sesame Street created the character of Alistair Cookie in homage to Mr. Cooke, a couple of friends took to calling me Cookie in the same kind of affection. It's a peculiar kind of link perhaps, but one that I accept with great warmth. Best wishes on your birthday, from an Alistair in North America!
Alistair Williamson, Boston MA

I have been a fan of yours for over forty-six years! From the time I was a young U.S. Air Force disc jockey in French Morocco (1952) to today you have always been a beacon of civility and intelligence and I daresay, wit. CONGRATULATIONS!!
Lee Madden, Kalamazoo, Michigan U.S.A.

Dear, dear Alistair Cooke - I am an American living in Africa (since 1976). Ever since I got a short-wave radio I have listened to the BBC, and your "letter from America" is one of my favourite programmes. Your incisive speech, your perceptions, your humour... and your charity towards my often buffoonish homeland ... make me a dedicated fan of yours, and also somewhat envious. I wish I could write as well as you speak. I wish you a very happy birthday, and many more of them.
Ellen Drake, Botswana

I've worked all over the world for 30 years. Your letter on the World Service and now online has given me great pleasure and always brought me always closer to home by reminding me of sunny Sunday mornings listening to Radio 4. You are truly an institution, No words except a simple heartfelt thankyou could suffice. Thank you.
John Sykes, Viña Del Mar, Chile

The only history I ever learned in high school was "Alistair Cooke's America" television series. Not only was it informative, but it kindled an interest in American history that was otherwise brutally murdered by the dull and sanitized versions we otherwise received. Thanks so much for your insight, your humor, and all the years spent educating both Brits and Americans about what America is about. Happy Birthday!
Ken Dragoon Portland, Oregon USA

After buying a short-wave radio in 1980, I discovered your "Letter From America" on the BBC. Since then I have listened avidly to your comments which put the events of the week into sharp focus for me.  Now I am able to listen and read your reports on the Internet - with clear sound and script.  Thank you so much for your comments.
Ken Ballinger, Montana

Dear Mr Cooke, Many, many happy returns of the day! I started listening to Letter from America when I was a medical student in 1946, and I'm still listening, as far as possible, every Sunday morning. You are an addictive bit of listening, and I feel a sense of 'withdrawal' when I miss one of your letters!! All power to your elbow, and here's to your 100th!
David MG Myles, Nottingham

Happy birthday Mr. Cooke, and thank you for years of wonderful stories of your times in America. When I look at my country's reflection in the mirror of your writings, it is sometimes flattering, sometimes humiliating, but always true. God Bless you.
Dennis McGlinchy

Alistair, I do not usually take the time to send email to strangers! However, hearing about your birthday celebration gives me the realization that your broadcasts over the years have had no small impact on my coming to the USA 32+ years ago and looking on the place with a more open mind than might otherwise have been the case. So, thank you for your balanced views with a Brit's flavour. I am looking forward to hearing you with your distinct style for many years. Happy birthday, Alistair.
David Rodgers, Seattle, USA

You have done so much over the years to bridge that definable gap between us and them and it doesn't matter who the us is! You have given all of us so much to think about, so many smiles and so many memories. I just hope that some of these messages will make you smile too, How the world has changed eh? Fond regards, And a very happy birthday.
Christopher Bruce

I want to wish you all the best on this momentous occasion. I spent the years 1965 to 1972 in Central Africa as a missionary and one of the ways I kept in touch with North America was your Letter from America. After returning to Canada I watched Masterpiece Theatre frequently, and was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of the productions, and the commentaries that you gave. Thank you for those letters and commentaries. May your birthday be a great day, and may you have many more.
Ian Cheeseman

A Very Happy 90th Birthday to you! As a regular listener of the BBC radio for more than ten years, your programme is always one that I look forward to listen. Whether I am driving or working at home with the radio on in the background, I will somehow instantly turn on the volume a little more, the minute your programme gets on the air. Your thought-provoking analysis of events, situations, experiences etc never cease to make me smile and at times I'm glad to hear that you articulate my sentiments over a thought or a subject so vividly! Coupled with your casual, measured talking style, it is such a comfort listening to you. Let me take this opportunity to wish you good health and life's contentment in the years ahead!
Sant Kaur, Singapore

 

Dear Alistair,
You must forgive me the overly familiar salutation, but I feel as if I have known you all my life. Some twenty odd years ago, I was a teenager who got to know some of the finest works of literature through Masterpiece Theatre. It was sort of like seeing one's uncle on a weekly basis. I trust this birthday finds you happy and that you enjoy many more,
Your admirer,
Jeff Myhre

Wishing Alistair Cooke all the very best on his 90th! Thank you for your "letters", your masterful prologues and commentary on Masterpiece Theatre, "America" and so much more.
Jack Panozzo

Thank you for the years of informative and enjoyable listening that you have given.
Jeeth D Garageshwara

Dear Mr. Cooke,
How delightful it is to "turn the tables" just for once and ask you to read my words! My earliest remembrance of you, Mr. Cooke, is that of television presenter for "Omnibus" on the CBS Television Network here in the States. I felt as if I were being led on a treasure hunt of knowledge and wonder every Sunday afternoon, most vividly recalled in your comments about and introductions to Leonard Bernstein's talks¿the first time I had ever heard of the gentleman. Since then, I've always considered you a "godfather" of mine, teacher, guru, and pathfinder. My hopes and wishes are that you continue to find wonderment, satisfaction, and happiness. Yours sincerely,
Les Bernstein (no relation) Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.A.

As an American now living in London, I love listening to 'Letter from America' each week. I was introduced to you via TV on the 'Omnibus' program all those many years ago. And on my very first trip to London in 1979, I was astonished and pleasantly surprised to see you walking up and down the aisle of that airplane. It was a wonderful start to what turned out to be a wonderful first trip - first you and then the Queen, still riding her horse, at the Trooping of the Colour! Many, many happy returns and thanks for all the wonderful 'words'.
Joyce I Allen, Departmental Administrator Department of Sociology, London School of Economics

Happy birthday, Mr. Cooke! I have fond memories of your Letter from America broadcasts, usually heard in the wee hours of the morning during the drive home from gigs in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I miss the BBC broadcasts, now that I live in Tucson, Arizona. Great to find that I can get the text on the Internet. But I will miss hearing your voice. Perhaps I can start a movement to get BBC on the local NPR station. In the meantime, all the best. I look forward to many more years of your broadcast.
Carolyn McCarty in Tucson, AZ USA

Dear Mr. Cooke,
I have been listening to your broadcasts for what seems an unreal length of time - it's a stable fixture in a changing world. I have listened to you from many points of the globe and, as I prepare to go to work in the Lebanon, I hope to listen to you for many more years. With sincerest best wishes
Paul McGregor

I have listened to your talk from Nigeria to California and continue to enjoy it every week. Happy birthday and many healthy returns.
Ike Ohiaeri

Dear Mr. Cooke,
I will have to confess that people my age perhaps haven't gotten to know you as well by your radio broadcasts as by your stewardship of Masterpiece Theatre. Even as a young teenager I would follow The Six Lives of Henry VIII or I, Claudius rather than The Brady Bunch or the other shows that my peers preferred.
Of course, depending on the quality of the TV set from which we would watch MT, the sound fidelity sometimes left something to be desired. To this day I can still recall arguing with my siblings how it was that a distinguished gentleman with a vaguely British accent could come to be named "Alice T. Cooke"...
Ninety years? Who would've thought it?! Best wishes to you Mr. Cooke.
Bill H.

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to express my appreciation for the hours and hours of enjoyable and stimulating listening you have given me. I now live in New Zealand having, over the past thirty years, lived in Australia, Canada and, for a short time, the UK. I have always tuned into your programs, a constant source of enjoyable and clear information.
I wish you a very happy 90th birthday and look forward to still hearing your erudite and clarion tones for some time yet. MANY, MANY THANKS.
Richard Sadleir, Ph.D, Lower Hutt, New Zealand

Dear Alistair Cooke: Do you actually read e-mail? If it were not so with me, I would not now be doing something that I have wanted to do for many, many years, that is, tell you of my feeling of appreciation for your weekly letters, which I wait for every Saturday evening on the World Service. Around the house here we often ask, "what do you think Alistair Cooke will have to say tonight?" and no one is often right. We define Saturday evening quite deliberately by the fifteen minutes you spend with us or we with you. What a pleasure it has been.
James Dale Smith, Eden Mills, Vermont.

Congratulations and many, many, more. Your work has enlightened, enriched, and, given me more hours of pleasure then I can count. Thank You.
Sincerely Yours,
Rod Tipton, Seattle, USA

With much pleasure do I send these greetings across the Atlantic from Germany, where over many years now I have treasured the privilege to learn so much through your "Letter from America". A Sunday ritual for a long time to tune in to the BBC World Service and listen with great anticipation to what would emerge from your talk, often so helpful to understand and being able to pass on "Americana" to my English pupils here - it has now been replaced by the luxury of reading your texts online at leisure when time allows me to, my days are so much fuller with children, a job and a few more grey hairs myself to live with!!! Plus the really special bonus of catching up on missed issues. Collections of your earlier writings are on my bookshelves in the bedroom and I go back to them now and then when I deal with some historic topic or personality at school.
Your "history book" on America still supplies me with unsurpassed coverage of important periods, your accompanying film footage was enjoyed by pupils studying the Great Gatsby for their final exams and this morning Radio 4 serialized reading of your biography whetted my appetite for more. Unfortunately I'll not be able to hear it live as - fortunately - by next week I should be cured of my cold and be back at work at that time. I have so much enjoyed your teaching me over the years - thank you and all the very best!
Christine Philpott

Dear Alistair Cooke,
In order not to miss your Letter from America I set my alarm to 8 AM on Sunday mornings although I usually like to sleep in.... I love the contents, the humor, the historical explanations and, in particular, your weekly confirmation of old Latin: 'difficilis est satyram non scribere' Happy Birthday!
Henry Baltes

Happy Birthday Mr Cooke
I have listened to you since I was a small child living in the English Home Counties, my grandmother never missed a letter and on those occasions children were seen and not heard, I remember fidgeting a lot and trying not to talk while the adults listened, but I must have become your youngest fan without realising it for I have tried since then never to miss your letters over the years on Auntie Beeb's world service, where ever I am in the world. I am now in my mid fifties.
Naylor, UK

Happy birthday to Alistair Cooke from Adelaide, South Australia - thank you for so many years of wonderful journalism and inspiration. Have a wonderful day Sincerest regards
Peter Parfitt, Adelaide, South Australia

I have listened to Letter from America for at least the last two and a half decades, and find that the Internet gives me the clearest signal yet, which I now log on weekly. The time and method of my listening has changed, from half yearly changes in time schedule on the BBCWS.
The new archive on the Internet has a great store of fine crafted letters; I hope that more letters will make their way into the archive. I first discovered you on PBS on Masterpiece Theatre, Mystery, and America. But to hear you each week has brought a certain wondrous clarity to my life. So all the best at (your) birthday, and may you feel that you have several hundreds more letters to broadcast. My son now nine years awaits a first listen! All the best and may you enjoy best of health in the time God gives you, best of all from the cool and dank late fall Pacific Northwest!
Gordon Snedecor, Portland, Oregon

P.S. Heraclitus: for a god all things are good, for man some are better than others.

Dear Mr. Cooke,
Happy 90th! You have brought joy and pleasure to my life for many years. You have also expressed tragic events in a most human and understandable way. Your unique perspective on America brings a much-needed level-headedness to the US's self-satisfaction.
Thank you for all your broadcasts, all your stories, and the wonderful way you start at A and end up at Z, but go round Robin Hood's barn in the process.
Glen Kendall, La Tour d'Aigues, France

I certainly wish Alistair Cooke a very happy 90th birthday and hope that for many years we shall still be able to hear and read his ideas about the USA. God bless.
Rev. Rodney C. Simmonds