BECAUSE OF THEM -- OUR NATION LIVES
23/04/05 08:35 PM
The following is an article I wrote for the Oneida Daily Dispatch, it was published April 22, 2005. They were nice enough to allow me a Guest Column on their Editorial Page. In a sense, it was their editorial for the day. They had titled it; "HELP US TO HONOR THOSE WHO SERVED". That was the only change they made. I had entitled it:
"BECAUSE OF THEM -- OUR NATION LIVES"
On September 2, 2005 our nation will be celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the unconditional surrender of the Empire of Japan. With that surrender World War II was officially over.
At that time, there were over 12 million men and women serving in the armed forces of our country . Because of their service, freedom rings.
Time has a way of getting away on us. It is hard for me to believe that I am looking back at well over a half century, when, as a young sailor 18 years of age, I took part in a celebration that ended history's most costly war -- World War II.
In a short span of 18 months, I went from a teenager, to a battle hardened sailor, that saw military action in two major invasions.
At Okinawa we fought an enemy that did not know the meaning of the word "surrender". The enemy kept coming, day after day, night after night, hundreds of them. Back in those days we lived at our battle stations.
This particular style of warfare was a last ditch fight to the death by the Japanese Air Force. The Japanese referred to them as kamikaze planes, (Divine Wind). We knew them as suicide planes.
The battle for Okinawa lasted over 4 months. The Navy lost 36 ships, 5000 American sailors were killed in action, another 10,000 were wounded. In the annals of naval history we are known as, "The Fleet That Came To Stay".
Although I am very proud of serving in that great Fleet, I don't like to dwell on those days of my youth. Some things in life are best forgotten.
When the war ended I came home for awhile, but I guess civilian life wasn't in my blood. I reenlisted in the Navy, and spent the next 22 years of my life in service to our country.
My generation is slowly slipping away. World War II veterans are dying at the rate of well over 1100 each day of the year.
Here in Canastota, and the Town of Lenox a group a group of veterans, members of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, have accepted a challenge given us by Rocco DiVeronica, Supervisor of the Town of Lenox.
"Rocky" had in his procession a Book of Remembrance for the years 1941 - 1945 covering events that took place in the Village of Canastota and the Town of Lenox during those years.
In that book was a picture of a memorial dedicated to over 700 men and women who answered their country's Call to Arms in World War II. The names of those veterans were also published with the picture.
The memorial was, I understand, made of wood, and over the years it deteriorated and was torn down and destroyed.
DiVeronica often thought how nice it would be to once again resurrect a replica of that memorial. He approached me last summer, and asked if I would form, and chair, a committee to ascertain if we could take on the task.
I fell honored that he asked, and gladly accepted his invitation to form such a committee. A team of veterans volunteered their services, and among them were Robert Clarke, a Vietnam era veteran from Canastota, who's expertise in in graphic arts, and Farrell Miller, a Korean War Veteran, who is very adept to site arranging and layouts.
Bob Clarke is a Associate Professor at Mohawk Community College, and a Adjunct Instructor at Syracuse University where he teaches graphic arts. I asked if they would take a look at the photo of the original memorial, and come up with their concept of what would enhance Clark Memorial Park, and show respect to those who fought and served so valiantly in the armed forces of our country during World War II.
We got together and gave a presentation of our plan to both the Town and Village boards. They were very impress with our ideas, and whole heartily endorsed the committee's concept for the memorial.
We have estimated that the cost of this endeavor would be $100,000. We need the assistance and support of the entire community to make this memorial become a reality.
Letters have been mailed to local businesses requesting donations for this cause. We have also requested funds from our State and Federal representatives. I am proud, and pleased to announce that we have been approved for a $25,000 grant from the State of New York for this project.
I now call the entire community, and our neighboring towns and villages to assist us in achieving our goal by making a donation, payable to:
"The Town of Lenox Veterans Fund", and mailing it to: The Town of Lenox, Municipal Building, Peterborto Street, Canastota, NY 13032
ATTN: Lois Brown.
This is a tax deductible donation. It is important that you make a note on the memo line of your check that it is a donation to "Town of Lenox War Memorial.".
All the names of veterans that served in World War II, who's name will be listed on the memorial can be found on my web site:
http//:homepage.mac.com/sailor_jack
Information concerning the criteria for having a name added to the memorial can also be found on my web site.
You can also check at the Canastota Library to see if your name is already recorded. If it is , check for the correct spelling of your name. That is the way it will appear on the monument.
It is not only fitting that we pay tribute to those who died in that war, but also to those who survived, and are still with us.
Won't you please help us in honoring the nation's "Greatest Generation", our World War II Veterans.
Our nation lives today, because of them. -30-
You have now had the privilege of perusing an article of mine. I don't do them very often, but the local media are very cooperative when I call upon them. Thanks for taking the time to read about this worthy cause. Talk to you soon. God Bless, Pray for Peace and Keep the Faith --- Sailor Jack
THERE OUGHT TO BE A SPEED LIMIT
22/04/05 03:21 PM
I was awakened at 0500 this morning by that lady friend of mine, Mother Nature. Being the kind of fellow I am, I answered her call. I am a gentleman though, I always answer when she calls. The problem being is that I could not get back to sleep. My mind kicked into gear, and was racing at 80 mph. My thoughts revved up my mind, and ideas were flashing hither and yon.
I had all I could stand, I could stand no more. I hit the deck at 0629, and made a beeline for my trusty friend, my computer. I e-mailed Commander Dave requesting his valuable assistance in investigating a project I think would enhance our War Memorial. I asked him to give me a call on i Chat when he has time this evening so we can discus it.
My mind was playing games, other projects wiggled their way into my thoughts. "Ah, Ah," I said to myself, "That's it. I know how I can get the $100,000 for the monument".
I mauled it through my mind once more, and decided it was worth a try. When it comes to raising money there are times you have to sell a bill of goods to get the money. I got to thinking, if I made a plea to all the families that have loved ones, listed on the memorial, to donate $100.00 each to this cause it would be the best buy in a lifetime for them.
I will inform them that this memorial, that bears the name of their loved one, will have a life expectance of over 100 years. Every night, for over 100 years, lights will shine upon the names of their loved ones. Their names will be memorialized forever on this beautiful monument.
The cost for this tribute, $100.00 payable in advance. Just think, that's only $1.00 per year for the next 100 years. To have your loved one's name up in lights. What a buy!!!!
What do you think, my friends, is it worth a try? Shall I attempt it? There are over 700 names that will be memorialized on this beautiful monument. If each family would write a 'TAX DEDUCTIBLE" check for $100.00, it would generate $70,000.00.
The last time I went to school, 700 x 100 equals 70,000.
I think I'll sit on this for a few weeks, my mind might be playing games with me. Life can't be that simple. Getting money out of people is like having teeth pulled. People just don't want to do it..
At any rate I left the house at 0720 and headed for the "Y". I exercised for an hour and then headed back to Canastota to see the treasurer of our Veterans Memorial Fund. Her nephew is a noted sculpture that worked on the WWII War Memorial in Washington D.C. He heard about our endeavors and offered to meet with us this week end. He wants to meet with the artist, the layout and site man and myself. The Town Supervisor will be in attendance as well. He mentioned to his Aunt that he might be interested in overseeing the construction of the monument itself.
Just having his name added as a consultant on this project is a marvelous opportunity for us. We could not afford to pay an individual of his caliber in a lifetime. I spoke with our treasurer this morning, and she will call me as soon as she has a chance to see him and firm up an appointment over the week end.
Happy Days. He already has informed her that we shouldn't be thinking about granite as the cost is too prohibited. He mentioned to her that there are other materials available that are just as good, if not better, than granite. He's got my ear, he's got my ear -- that's what I want to here.
I'll keep you informed. His name is being kept under wraps until such time when he'll allow us to publish it. I do know that I'll be forever grateful for his input into our project.
I wrote a guest column for the Oneida Daily Dispatch and it was published in this morning's paper. It appears on the Editorial Page, and I am indeed indebted to them for allowing me to have my own by-line.
I may publish it in my web site tomorrow, to give you a better perspective of my journalistic talents. What little I have.
I'm a fella that uses simple words. I don't process a large vocabulary. I am not a very good speller, either, I know what a word means, but I can't spell it.
So I take the easy route, and use simple Simon words.
My sister, Isabel though, won a State Spelling Bee. She is the talented one, and I love her very dearly. If it wasn't for her, my Mother God love her, would have never signed the papers allowing me to go off to war at age 17. Isabel knew how determined I was to join the Navy. She caught me praying one night asking the Lord to help me make my Mother understand my feelings. When my Mother read a poem I wrote entitled, "Why Wars Are Fought," she relented and signed the papers.
Isabel is now 85 years of age, and is in poor health. She is confined to a wheel chair and her weight is down to 104 pounds. She has lost most of her hearing and subsists on baby foods. She resides in Spokan Valley, Washington with her husband, Ray and grandson, Matt. Her daughter Cheryl and her husband, Roger, look after them. I call Cheryl once a week at her Mom's home to check on her well being.
Cheryl tells me her spirits are high, and the two of them go to bingo games 3 days a week. They both love and enjoy Bingo. The last time I spoke with Cheryl, she told me that it is her Mother's Faith, that keeps her going. I told her that I can understand that, as I too, have that same Faith. Our Mother instilled that Faith, within us, when we were children. If you are weary, sick , or ever in danger, turn to God. He'll never leave your side, she would tell us.. Amen, I say to that.
Wow, I just glanced up at the time. It is now 1521. I have to get a nap in, or I'll be hitting the sack before 2000 hours.
Adios my friends, God Bless - Pray for Peace - by all means, Keep the Faith. --Sailor Jack
MY COMPUTER AND I -- WHAT A TEAM
20/04/05 01:39 PM
I am still having difficulties finding this particular space, on my computer, where I download my mind on the happenings of the day. It takes time, but I eventually find what I am looking for, and I say to the little rascal, "Where in the dickens do you hide? I can hear you laughing at me and saying, 'I"m down here, I'm down here".
All of a sudden a light flashes on, a bell rings, and I glance down at the bottom of the contents page, and there sets a little "+" sign, "I told you I was here", he says, sarcastically". I punch the little "+" sign and out jumps my entry box, with a date already posted, and it's joins the conversation saying, "
"Where have you been? I have been waiting for you long while. Did you oversleep napping?"
"No", I said sheepishly, "My retention powers aren't the way they use to be. It takes me a long while to adjust and I had a very difficult time finding you".
Me and this computer have some interesting conversations at times. Most of the times it just sits quietly, and laughs at me, as I attempt different things to wiggle my way through the situation. When all fails I send out a "May Day" call to Commander Dave, he'll come to my rescue.
Well, so far I have managed to say a lot about nothing. Do you really think I talk to this computer. You damn right I do, If I were a betting man, I'd bet that everybody talks to these confounded things. They sure have made life interesting.
I just woke up from my nap a few minutes ago and my darling, Frisco Fran, is out in the galley preparing a small rotisserie chicken for our supper.
I had to go into the galley to see if the chicken was still in it's container. I didn't know how to spell "rotisserie", but it didn't appear on the packaging either. I went back to the computer and my bride heard me quietly cussing, and came out and found it in the dictionary for me. I have more darn trouble trying to spell words.
I know that the computer has Spell Check, but the only program I seem to be able to work it in, is my AppleWorks. That's why I was hunting for that "30,000 Word Book" I mentioned awhile back.
I am not too bright in the daylight hours, I went to night school.
The temperatures were beautiful this morning, in the high 70's, but at this hour, 1700, they are beginning to drop, clouds are gathering and we're beginning to get some rain. April Showers bring May Flowers.
Tomorrow the weather will be in the 50's, and they are predicting some snow flurries over the week end. Ah, good old Central New York. If you don't like the weather, stick around a few minutes, it'll change.
I may have some good news in the very near future concerning our project on the World War II Memorial. I don't dare tell you what it is , as nothing has really been firmed up, as yet. We will be receiving some very valuable input from a professional source. That's exactly what we need. Someone who can steer us in the right direction. I'll keep you informed as to our progress as things develop. Stay tuned.
Soup's on -- Frisco just sounded Chow Call. Be back with you in a few minutes.
That didn't take long - terrific meal. She is a wonderful cook, I think I'll keep her.
I just received a phone call concerning Memorial Day. I had completely forgot that there is a meeting tonight, at the Legion, to receive progress reports from those working on our Memorial Day plans. The meeting is at 1900 hours, so I have about 30 minutes to get over there. Not to worry, it only takes me a minute to drive over, as we live exactly one half mile from there.
Be back soon, it should only take a few minutes. Just have to make sure that everyone is doing their job. If everyone cooperates, things go smoothly.
Back for the 2000 hour Report. That's the time right now. Back when I was aboard a Navy Man of War, it was a nightly duty for Division Officers to make their 2000 report to the Command Duty Officer on shipboard conditions. So I am here to report that our meeting at the Legion was everything I expected it to be. Nobody showed up except the Commander and me. I was lucky, someone called to remain me.
I was glad that I did go because our Ladies Auxiliary Unit was having their monthly meeting, and I requested an audience to speak to their membership.
Just me, and about 20 to 30 beautiful ladies. I made a plea for a donation for the War Memorial project and brought them up to date as to how things were progressing. I am sure that they will make a generous donation. They have never failed us when we ask for their support. We are indeed fortunate to have them.
We consider ourselves as a family. An American Legion Family. We have a home, Legionnaires, a Ladies Auxiliary Unit, a Sons of the American Legion Squadron, and a Junior Ladies Auxiliary. All working together for the same common purpose. To give aid and comfort to our veterans, their families and the widows and children of our fallen comrades. A great organization.
Oh, by the way, the fellow that went AWOL, he showed up at the legion while I was there. I ordered him to Report Before the Mast, he came over and I asked if he was prepared to defend his actions on Sunday afternoon. "No excuse, sir, " he said, "I just forgot. It was a beautiful day, and my wife asked if I would go golfing with her".
I sentenced him to 3 days on bread and water. He stood there and said, "I can do that standing on my head".
I replied, "You just got 3 more days to get back on your feet", and I shut off his beer.
I told you I run a tight ship!
On that note, I'll take my leave. God Bless, Pray for Peace, Keep the Faith -- Sailor Jack
POPE BENEDICT XVI - WELCOME ABOARD
19/04/05 03:30 PM
Just arrived back home after a busy morning of grocery shopping, getting discount gas, and having a nice lunch with the bride. We turned on the television set and they have just announced that we have a new Pope. The crowd is going wild. Excuse me a few minutes while I digest this good news.
The Vatican just announced that Cardinal Ratzinger, of Germany, has been selected as the new Pope. He will be known as Pope Benedict XVI.
May God, the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son, and the Holy Spirit bestow blessings upon him.
Holy Smoke, i am not playing games with words, I had just finished typing that last sentence, when a Cardinal ended his prayer with the following words, "May God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, bestow their Blessings upon him". Now how is that for a novice writer. I must possess mental telepathy. I scare myself at times.
I am a man of great Faith, as you probable surmised from my sign off phrase, "Keep the Faith". I have had Faith ever since I was a child. It was my Faith in God, and my prayers to Him, that I survived World War II. He has never left my side, I have had some tough battles in my lifetime with diseases, of the heart, and of the flesh. He was always there to comfort me.
Through prayer I have confided with Him, seeking help and assistance for my family. He has never let me down. My prayers have always been answered. I am not exaggerating, it has been said that the Lord acts in mysterious ways. That he does, take my word for it. We have 7 children and some of them have faced difficult problems along the road of life. They are all fine, healthy and happy individuals. My prayers are dedicated to each of them, and somewhere along line, they are always answered.
Enough said, my Mother also told me not to get into any discussion concerning religion or politics - you never win.. How right she was.
I had to leave you abruptly as I lost track of time and when I looked up at the clock, it read 1358. I had 2 minutes to make it to the Municipal Building. I had forgotten the Photo Op appointment with the photographer from the Bee Journal. Tony Gates was there patiently awaiting my arrival. I was lucky because Margo forgot about it also.
Not to worry, we got the picture taken and it will be in next week's "Bee" along with my commentary.
A few more checks have arrived, so things are beginning to roll.
I have to compose a "Thank You" letter to those wonderful people who are donating funds to our project. If you would like to receive one of the letters it only requires a donation, large or small.
I believe I'll have a talk with the man "upstairs", and see if he can be of any assistance in our efforts to generate money. I am not jesting, I am serious. He will see me through this.
While Frisco was doing the shopping this morning, I was cruising the deck in Wal Mart. I extended my course, and navigated my way through many uncharted passageways I hadn't explored before. I now know where all the baby clothes, and women's apparel is located. I traveled north, east, south and west and all points between.
I wore myself out, my poor legs are weary, but my spirits are high. The weather is beautiful and is cooperating for the present time. The temperature is in the low 80's - but in Central New York, a cold front can drop down on your doorstep at any given time. It reminds us all that it is still only April, and in time, summer will arrive.
It is now 1530 hours, and my eyes lids are getting heavy, Heavy, hell, they are closing. It's past my nap time so I am going to call it a day. If I don't make it back to wish you all a good night I'll say it now, God Bless, Pray for Peace and be sure and Keep the Faith. -- Sailor Jack
VARIETY - THAT'S WHAT I LIKE
18/04/05 03:27 PM
It's been a long day, but a productive one. I started my day in the usual fashion, so I won't bore you with all the details. After I finished up at the "Y", I
made a quick trip to the city of Oneida, approximately 5 or 6 miles from the Canastota, I went to a trophy shop that does all the engraving on plaques for the Legion and had a couple of plates engraved with donors names on them. I then traveled down to the Oneida Daily Dispatch offices, and hand carried a Guest Editorial I wrote concerning the war memorial project. I have good rapport with the editor. He often allows me to summit articles of interest to the public and publishes them.
After I completed my mission, I dashed over to the local office supply house to purchase a "30,000 Word Book". Who needs all those definitions, all I want is to find out is how to spell the damn word. At any rate, they didn't have one in stock, and I don't believe they ever heard of one. Small town, I guess. I'll have to go to the big city. I had one for years, but it got lost in the move we made to the village 3 years ago. It will turn up one of these days.
I left the office supply store and hi-tailed it to Wal Marts, and you know what I do there so there's no sense in me wasting my valuable time, and yours, giving you a detailed description of my wanderings.
After my departure from the shopping mall I set a course back to my little village. When I arrived I stopped off at the Bee Journal, "The Only Newspaper , That Really Cares About Canastota". I delivered my column entitled, "Veterans News & Views", and asked to have it published next week. While I was there I asked the office manager, who is also a gifted writer, if she would be kind enough to meet me at the Town Offices for a Photo Op. She was very accommodating, and we set up a 2 o'clock appointment for tomorrow afternoon.
The Commander of our Sons of the American Legion Squadron, Tony Gates, will be there also and present a check to Lois Brown, who is treasurer of the Town of Lenox Veterans Fund. I want the public to see, and meet this wonderful woman, who cares very deeply for our war veterans. She is also the Secretary to the Town of Lenox Supervisor.
I left Margo, the young woman at the Bee Journal, and moseyed over to the Town Offices to inform Lois about the appointment time. She said she would be available. That being done I headed for home and by that time it was past the noon hour. Frisco made me a quick sandwich and asked me to type up a letter to a quilting magazine she subscribes to, She has not been getting any copies of it for a few months, and her subscription does not expire until November '06. I wrote them a very polite, but stinging letter. We are anxious to see what kind of reply we will receive from them.
When I finished my secretarial duties I sat down and wrote a couple more letters to civic and fraternal organizations, that I belong to, seeking a donation for our World War II Memorial. Like most organizations they are experiencing financial woes, but are still determined to be of service to others. I made a special appeal to them, acknowledging the fact that I am aware of the financial difficulties they are facing. I am looking at the "long term", where they could, perhaps, make a pledge for a "X" amount of money. I mentioned, if they did make a pledge, the pledge would have to be honored no later than 30 March '06. This would give them some leeway to raise whatever they wish to donate. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I had one more item to attend to so I climbed into my Jeep and made a beeline to the Village of Chittenango (don't you love the quaint Indian names we have for the villages we have in our area?).
I made a "speed run" to the offices of the Syracuse Post Standard. They have an office there, in Chittenango, that is staffed with reporters and photographers that cover the County of Madison. I have a good rapport with them also, as a matter I fact, I am an easy going guy that gets along with everyone providing they don't ruffle my feathers.
Just finished having a nice chat with Commander Dave. We also had a nice visit via the i Chat with our son Mark last evening. We hadn't heard from him in over a week, and his Mom and I begin to get a little unsettled and wonder what he is up to. Your children will always be your children. They are grown adults but you still worry about them.
We'll be going to Saratoga Springs this weekend for our grandson, Robbie's, birthday. Our son, John, and his girlfriend, Jennie, are hoping to join us. They reside in Syracuse, NY. We're looking forward to seeing all the family, and grandkids.
Frisco just brought me a nice cold apple from the kitchen. She is such a sweetheart. I really don't know what I would do without her. Ah, it's an MacIntosh apple, Nice and juicy - I love to hear the apple snap when you take a bite. I also like them when they are cold.
That was about the extent of my day. I live a very exciting life. You good people take care of yourselves, God Bless, Pray for Peace, and remember
Keep the Faith. Be talking to you again soon. == Sailor Jack