Butterflies and flowers (Retrieved from http://kollegium.szily.hu, May 7, 2016)
Mother’s Day is here again! Wow, I can hardly believe another year has passed already!
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there. May you have a blessed, peaceful, and enjoyable day. If you are working, may all go smoothly!
We will always remember 9/11…
Twin Towers, Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan (1)
The safety and security of our country became a thing of the past on September 11, 2001. Terrorists highjacked large airplanes, crashing into our beloved Twin Towers and Pentagon, as well as (supposedly) a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, taking the lives and security of 1,000s of victims with them. In the aftermath, countless families, friends, emergency responders, medical personnel, and all of America was deeply affected by the tragedies.
The terrorist attacks of 9/11 showed America the face of evil and hatred. As Americans living in our safe and cozy world of freedom and democracy, many are oblivious to the terrorism, hatred, and evil that occurs around us throughout the world – and on 9/11, in our own country.
Twin Towers, 9/11 Terrorist Attacks (2)
About 27 years ago, I had a vision in a dream of the terrorist attacks on the…
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View Toward Tennessee from Cherokee, North Carolina, July 2010
May all of you who are fathers enjoy a happy Father’s Day. Hopefully, you will get a chance to enjoy some R&R, and do something that you like. A special hat’s off to those of you who spend quality time with your children. They are the next generation of leaders, and need you to be good and positive role models for them. Be safe and enjoy this Father’s Day!
David I. Briggs, U.S. Army Service Photo, 1968 (Retrieved May 25, 2015 from http://www.virtualwall.org)
David I. Briggs, a distant cousin of mine, was a man who I never knew, but whose pain for his loss I felt through the hearts and spirits of his family – his mother, father, and sisters. David was the only son of Ivan Francis Briggs (1907-2000) and Louise (Gullo) Briggs (1915-1997) of North Collins, New York. He was 21 when he and most members of his battalion (C Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division) were killed in heavy gunfire in Tay Ninh, Vietnam on November 23, 1968 (Small, 2001).
It is my understanding from having read an article in the Hamburg Sun, that David’s battalion invaded an opposing forces’ base camp, but underestimated their strength (Gordon, 2012). David and his captain were the first to have sacrificed their lives in that invasion (Gordon, 2012). Thirteen men of the battalion were killed on that November day (Small, 2001).
Vintage Memorial Day Remembrance (Retrieved May 25, 2015 from http://www.crazywebsite.com)
I met my distant cousins, Ivan, Louise, and one of their twin daughters, in my early to mid-teens while visiting them in North Collins, New York. Louise was a wonderful cook, and it is said that it is one of the reasons that Ivan married her.
From what I observed, Ivan and Louise also had a love for family. Anyone who knew them could sense the pain and loss they carried with them due to the death of their son, David. I remember after having first met Louise and Ivan that I asked my parents about the sense of deep sadness in them that I felt, and discovered that they still grieved the loss of their son, David.
Funeral Card of David Briggs, North Collins, New York, 1968
At that time, I was astounded to know that Ivan and Louise still grieved for David after so many years, and realized that he was very much loved by them. I believe they carried that sense of grief and sadness in themselves from the time that David was killed until their own deaths. When I met them, nearly 20 years had passed, and they were still hurting from his death. Family said that it broke Louise’s heart when David was killed; she was never the same after that.
So, while I never knew David, nor, I believe, any men who have been killed during the course of duty in war, I know that they will always be remembered for their bravery and for giving the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. May we remember and honor all those who have gone before us, who have given their lives to make this world a better place. May God bless you, David, and may you rest in peace.
References:
Gordon, C. (July 13, 2012). Traveling Vietnam wall coming to Eden, Briggs remembered. Hamburg, NY: The Sun. Retrieved May 25, 2015. http://www.thesunnews.net/news/916-Traveling_Vietnam_Wall_coming_to_Eden,_Briggs_remembered.html
Small, L.R. (2001). David Ivan Briggs. VirturalWall.org. Retrieved May 25, 2015. http://www.virtualwall.org/db/BriggsDI01a.htm
9/11 Tribute Image (from matthew.komputerwiz.net, retrieved September 10, 2014)
This is to honor and remember all the innocents lost in the tragedies of 9/11, as well as to be in support of their families and friends. They are no longer with us in body, but remain ever-present in spirit. May we always remember and never forget. May they rest in peace, and may everyone strive to live in peace and harmony with each other.
American Flag at Snellville, Georgia, May 26, 2014
My son put out the American flag today, in special remembrance of America’s military veterans and in celebration of Memorial Day 2014. Putting out the flag has become somewhat of a tradition for him throughout the past few years, particularly since it was a requirement for one of his achievements as a Cub Scout. Today, he put out the flag as a new Boy Scout. Last evening, my family also watched the Memorial Day tribute celebration on television, as broadcasted by PBS. That has also been a tradition in my family for many years. This year is the 25th anniversary of the annual Memorial Day broadcast.
In remembrance of military veterans in my family, I have authored this article, having arranged photos and/or memorabilia of all of those known family members and/or ancestors who have served in the American military. I am thankful for those who have risked their lives and/or who have given their lives for the freedoms that I enjoy.
One important issue to keep in mind, however, is that our freedoms may be our right, but should also be practiced with appropriate reason and rationalization. I stated this, particularly due to interpretations of the Second Amendment of our country’s Constitution, in regard to the right to bear arms. We should all keep in mind that while we have a right to bear arms, that does not mean that we have the right to take another’s life, unless circumstances absolutely warrant it in matters of self-protection. Let us not allow the right to bear arms, as well as monetary-backed interests to that aim, to remain more important than protecting people’s lives.
May we all strive to live together in peace and harmony. Let us all remember the sacrifices of those who serve and who have served in our military forces so that not only our freedoms are maintained, but so that the spirit of democracy may infuse those in other countries, as well. May our military forces stationed in Afghanistan soon return home, and back to our wonderful democracy!
Memorial Postcard in Remembrance of the American Civil War, 1861-1865
Grand Army of the Republic Veteran’s Medal from the American Civil War, 1861-1865
Fred Henn, Civil War Veteran, Hamburg, New York, Circa 1870-1890
Harry H. Gale, Member of American Military in New York State, Hamburg, New York, 1880s
John Briggs, North Collins, NY, Soldier in World War I, Circa 1917
John Hintermister (the Elder), American Military Veteran
Funeral Card of David I. Briggs, North Collins, New York, 1968 (Killed in Vietnam War) (Wentland Funeral Home, North Collins, New York)
Funeral Card of David Briggs, North Collins, New York, 1968
Henry Curtis, World War II Veteran
Eugene Spires, World War II Veteran
James Kibbe, Korean War Veteran
Peter Krakowiak, American Navy Veteran
Arnold Bennett, Vietnam War Veteran
I am also aware that one of the Tomaszewski men (formerly of Gowanda, New York, and now of Chicago, Illinois), a cousin to my mom, was a pilot in the Air Force, possibly in the Vietnam War.
These photos, information, and memorabilia represent individuals within my family, and from my family ancestry, who have served in the American military. My former spouse also briefly served in the military. I salute you for your risks, sacrifices, and in the case of David Briggs, his ultimate sacrifice of his life, for the freedoms and protections of others. While I have taught history, and honor and appreciate our military veterans, I am not one who has the will to risk my life in possible sacrifice in the military. You all are a credit to our country for your service, and to the preservation of democracy.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mom’s and moms-to-be, today! Motherhood – and parenthood – are such wonderful blessings that are bestowed upon us. We have so many wonderful opportunities as women and mothers to be the role models, protectors, guides, teachers, nurses, counselors, religious, safety officers, and coaches (and so much more) that our children and family members need in our lives. As mothers, we wear so many hats in our lives. Motherhood is definitely a blessing for me, and a vocation in which I always strive my best, as with everything that I do.
May all women who are mothers remember, cherish, and practice with sensitivity, responsibility, compassion, and seriousness the gift that we have been given. Happy Mother’s Day! 🙂
Twin Towers, Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan (1)
The safety and security of our country became a thing of the past on September 11, 2001. Terrorists highjacked large airplanes, crashing into our beloved Twin Towers and Pentagon, as well as (supposedly) a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, taking the lives and security of 1,000s of victims with them. In the aftermath, countless families, friends, emergency responders, medical personnel, and all of America was deeply affected by the tragedies.
The terrorist attacks of 9/11 showed America the face of evil and hatred. As Americans living in our safe and cozy world of freedom and democracy, many are oblivious to the terrorism, hatred, and evil that occurs around us throughout the world – and on 9/11, in our own country.
Twin Towers, 9/11 Terrorist Attacks (2)
About 27 years ago, I had a vision in a dream of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers. Because it was a dream, I did not know that the images that I saw would actually become a reality. The instant that I heard on my vehicle’s radio of the plane crash into the first tower in New York City, I knew that the image that I had dreamed was real. I was shocked, saddened, grieving, incredulous, and without words that what I had seen in my dream really happened.
Firefighters on 9/11 (3)
The actual image in my dream that I saw so many years ago was of both Twin Towers burning, and minutes after hearing of the first plane crash, the second occurred. I had taken the day off from work that day due to a medical appointment, and after it, was glued to the television into the night, still incredulous about the terrorism that had occurred.
Firefighters Raising Flag
in Aftermath of 9/11 (4)
It was devastating to think that I might have been able to give some warning about the event, but did not, because I had not realized that it would be real. 😦 Then, I also think back and wonder if anyone would have believed me even if I did share about such a tragedy. Would I have also come under scrutiny? Had I known better, it would have been worth the risk to inform about what I saw in my dream.
Memorial Flowers, Photos, and Flags in Remembrance of 9/11 (5)
I lived in Manhattan in 1993. The Twin Towers that I fondly remember are those that stand tall and proud, high into the New York City skyline. That is the New York that I remember. And, while I prefer to remember the New York City that was in the past, we cannot escape the fact that terrorism does occur and that there are terrorists among us. I believe that Americans must take greater care and caution in protecting ourselves on a greater scale, to be aware of anything that appears suspicious or amiss, to inform authorities and/or take personal action to deter or stop potential terrorist acts from occurring.
Pentagon Burning on 9/11 (6)
While we have made great strides as a nation in strengthening and burgeoning our national security, the events that occurred at this year’s Boston marathon are a reminder that more needs to be done. For the greater good and for the best interests of everyone – including the terrorists who cannot see that their actions are wrong – we, as a nation, must be more aware, take more action, and be more cautious and inform about others’ actions that may seem strange or suspicious.
Flight 93 Supposed Crash Site, 9/11 (7)
We must be aware when people take piloting classes, but are not interested in learning how to land a plane. To me, that would immediately raise suspicions. We must observe when people are carrying heavy backpacks into crowded events, placing and leaving them there. We must be aware of people who park vehicles in particular areas and abandon them. We might even be aware of people who wear heavy clothing on a hot day, in order to conceal a weapon.
New York City 9/11 Memorial (8)
Americans must awaken from our slumber, no longer being complacent about our safety and security. There are many people out there who hate Americans and who will do whatever possible to injure or kill as many of us as possible. We must be vigilant of our surroundings and environment, taking action, removing our apathy and complacency.
People Remembering at 9/11 Memorial (9)
The events of 9/11 should have taught us that we should not necessarily view the world with rose-colored glasses any longer. Let us always be aware and vigilant so that such terrorist actions are not repeated on our soil.
Photo Credit Websites:
1: http://www.panynj.gov/wtcprogress/events-091101.html
2: http://nwoobserver.wordpress.com/
3: http://www.kpbs.org/photos/galleries/2011/sep/06/remembering-911/
4: http://www.xtimeline.com/evt/view.aspx?id=837061
5: http://onpoint.wbur.org/2011/09/07/remembering-911
9: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/09/11/11-years-later-nyc-remembers-911-terror-attacks/
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