A U.S. Supreme Court Justice replies

Justice Samuel Alito

Reference date: March 20th




Back in March, when I had to make an appearance in court, I wrote to a few of my favorite jurists, including the gentleman from my home state (New Jersey)who was just appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Samuel Alito. I was happy to get a letter from him on official Supreme Court stationery today, but was surprised that Justice Alito mentioned my father in his reply, because I didn't bring dad up,at all in my letter to him. (My father's reputation and shadow follows me everyhwere, something I'm extremely proud of.) This is what Justice Alito wrote:

Dear Mr. Lucas:

Thank you for your letter and for your kind words.

Your father is a truly remarkable man, and you have every reason to be extremely proud of him. He is certainly an inspiration to many parents who seek the very best for their children.

Regarding your request for motivational advice or words of encouragement, I can only offer the following thought that everyone with dreams should realize that with determination it is often possible to achieve great things (as your father did) in our wonderful country.

Sincerely,

Samuel A. Alito, Jr.


I sent him a thank you the next day.