In my parents house, the CBS Evening News with Cronkite was the preferred news service along with George Putnum for the local news; for some reason, my mother had a disdain for Huntley and Brinkley, always citing their Democratic slant as the reason.

When I left for college, watching the CBS evening news remained a habit for another decade until Cronkite retired. I always watched Cronkite's reports on the Vietnam conflict with keen interest, especially after I become eligible for the military draft. I remember the body count graphics vividly - today, year to date, total. Cronkite was the voice of reason for America in a time of turbulence through the 60's and 70's.

With the passing of Cronkite and his peers, the dignity and assurance that characterized the evening news is a lost art.