Freedom & Bravery on Memorial Day

May 27th, 2013
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The smell of charcoal lighter fluid has been heavy in the air in my neighborhood this weekend which means that the grilling season is now officially open.
Cookouts and parades are just two of the many ways we Americans mark the holiday of Memorial Day, a day when we pause and remember the bravery of the Americans soldiers who are thankfully still with us and those who are sadly deceased because without them we would not have the freedom to enjoy such leisure and peace.
American flag displayed at
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
I recall as a teenager when the draft … Read More

Mary Chapin Carpenter

September 10th, 2011
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Grand Central Station, New York City Here is a short clip of award-winning singer songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter eloquently telling the story that inspired her to write a new song titled, “Grand Central Station,” a song remembering another group of quiet heros from 9/11: the hundreds of people who diligently and passionately worked to clean-up and preserve the hallowed remains of Ground Zero. Please listen to it…….. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04L5_cnFVC0 Thanks Ryan!!!!… Read More

Pause & Remember

September 9th, 2011
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Before the mantra was jobs, jobs, jobs, it was security, security, security. The security of our nation, the security of our borders, the security of our everyday lives was at the top of the nation’s agenda.  No one could do enough to make America safe and secure.  And we were willing to do whatever it took to make it happen: reduced civil liberties, metal detectors and wands, pat downs, no shoes.A decade later, 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden is finally dead as are some of his top operatives. But how safe are we? When the 10th anniversary of 9/11 arrives… Read More