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My Rowdy Friends

The Undead Walking the Mall

This time of the year is usually reserved for the kids, as jack-o-lanterns, as well as ghosts and spirits decorate the front lawn; while the kids anxiously await their raid upon the pumpkin motif crystal ware full of assorted treats. This reality may be stretched this year in the city that was bestowed the title, “Most Livable City” by the undead … the Zombie!

At the Monroeville Mall this weekend, where the Zombie cult favorite horror genre film, “Dawn of the Dead” was shot, now was the setting for the 2007 Zombie Fest. This two day event had everything that a growing Zombie needs: film screenings; stars of several George Romero Zombie films, and a Zombie Ball where the usually slow, uncoordinated, and passionless Zombie could really shake it for a change; artwork to charm the horror fan, and shake up the not so fan. Fans also collected autographs, meet horror authors, and even had relevant products available for purchase.

The real gem in this adult playground was Sunday’s Zombie walk, where the intent was to break the Guinness Book of World Records ‘Record’, “Most Zombies in one Place.” Last year the current world record was set right here in the Monroeville Mall—by 894 Zombies walking the mall. Some, elsewhere, were stunned by this huge turnout--they expected 200, but they do not know Pittsburgh where showing up in force to support the hometown, is home. Another trait of Pittsburghers that was part of the day, was the volunteer food donations by the Zombies at check in, where almost one ton of nonperishable food for the local food bank was expected to beat last year's total.

This year the crowd was large early, and grew throughout the cold morning, as I joined in. I have a personal stake in all of this, as I was one of the original Zombies in the “Dawn of the Dead” film shot in 1978—released in 1979. This was a matter of Pittsburgh pride, and anyone that has ever met a Pittsburgh Steeler fan is very aware of local pride … a descendant of a hard working town’s mores.

With well over one thousand Zombies scaring the elderly Sunday walkers of the mall, the world record was once again broken with the very loud gnarly sound of 1000 Zombie groans, as a response to the official announcement ... “We have broken the record!” shouted by local TV personality Mark Menold; from the “It’s Alive Show.” I have not seen that many scary faces since I accidentally went to a Cleveland Browns fan’s game day party!

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Sports update:

The Steelers defeated the Bengals today. They are now 5 and 2. They play the Ravens next week.

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Local News:

A local church, St. Barbara Catholic, is going to honor the members of the armed services in a special service on November 11. “It’s important, because without them we wouldn’t have the ability to gather,” said Rheba Salac, council member at St. Barbara in Harrison City. “Those in attendance may wear their military uniform, but are not required to," she noted.
She can be reached at 724-744-2850, or by Email at srheba@windstream.net

Local Military News:

Retired Army Gen. William "Gus" Pagonis, a Charleroi Pennsylvania native, will be honored Friday for his service in wars from Vietnam to the Gulf war. The Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania chose him as “Veteran of the Year.”

Well-done General Pagonis!

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

The Changing Seasons

Mon Valley Works, Braddock Pennsylvania

"Float Boat" ... by Chihuly, at Phipps Conservatory

"Macchia Forest" by Chihuly

"Palm Court Tower" by Chihuly

The changing seasons here in western Pennsylvania is not only a thing of the present, but also a symbol of the past. With each day the leaves fall to the ground as a sign of things to come, like the leaves--some of our past also falls. There is not a better example of that than the steel industry; once a monster in the world of industrial horsepower highlighted during “World War Two” when Pittsburgh’s industrial might did produce more steel than all of Japan and Germany combined.

Now the colors have changed in the fall of that industry, with only a few steel mills still working. The realities of today have made yesterday’s tomorrow not the dreams of that yesterday, only the way it is. The area is still evolving from a hands on manufacturing economy, to a diverse list of professions and trades, filled with non-traditional employees and products. New businesses open everyday, as life goes on in western Pennsylvania.

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Phipps Conservatory is hosting a “Gardens & Glass” exhibit by artist Dale Chihuly. This glass art embedded within the gardens has been very successful, and very enlightening to the thousands who have walked the exhibit. This unique show is a perfect fit for Phipps Conservatory. It is a real gem, and a great example of how a lot of hard work and talent can change the way you see the world.

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Pennsylvania National Guard deployment:

Almost 4000 Pennsylvania soldiers of the 28th Division’s 56th Stryker Brigade have been notified that they may be deployed to Iraq. The Brigade is to mobilize in November 2008, then deploy to Iraq in February 2009. The unit from Southwestern Pennsylvania participating in the deployment is Company A, 1-112th Infantry, Ford City in Armstrong County. This will be the first deployment as a Stryker Brigade.

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Sports update:

The Steelers played the Denver Broncos this weekend. With 2 seconds left on the clock, the Broncos kicked a winning 48-yard field goal. Next week is another day.

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When you feel down and weary, remember that home is always here awaiting your return. Although you may see that some in the mainstream news paints your plight in the shadows of the valley … you can absolutely believe in your heart that your fellow Pennsylvanians believe that you stand proudly on top of the mountain.

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Fort Ligonier Days

Reenactment, French & Indian War Battle ... 1758

October 13, 2007

The leaves of a colored variety were still working on a self-made painting, but not quite ready yet in the Ligonier valley today. My eyes scanned the hills as I approached Ligonier Pennsylvania, which is home to Ligonier days, an annual event that brings out most of the folks in this small community at the base of the Laurel Highland Mountains. The town is approximately 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, and 8 miles east of Latrobe Pennsylvania.

The main event, and the one with historical significance is the reenactment of the French and Indian War battle of 1758 that took place at Fort Ligonier. The British troops were inside the fort, as the Indians and French Troops stormed the fort, coming over the wall when the firing began. It was very interesting to be right in the middle of volley after volley of muskets being fired in my direction—save the lead balls ripping through my flesh as it did to so many in that battle. History learned through example is a wonderful experience that burns an indelible image into the mind.

As I approached the town circle on foot, the sounds of music and life guided my way there from the fort. Soon, I saw kids holding ice cream running by, old men sittin’ a bench in a slower paced version of the day, and women with stylish hats that were old in accurate period style, but were trendy in 1758. A slight breeze lifted Old Glory from stagnation to a flying American symbol over the town center gazebo that sent chills down my spine … not unlike the chills by the sight of the flag finding the wind, which was observed by the seers from the sulfur covered beaches of Iwo Jima, or Old Glory flying over Ground Zero.

The band was playing swing music in the town center gazebo, as the older took to hand-to-hand with the younger to show them the way as they danced in the center of the park. A couple in love sat in the grass sharing a slice of raspberry pie and ice cream, other couples were just holding hands listening to the music on this sunny but cool afternoon. Old men manned the city benches with one or two slipping out of a small glass bottle filled with an unknown beverage—for medicinal purposes only. These senior statesmen of the community were taking the young to school whether they knew it or not. The old man and the boy sat under a huge tree, with the boy listening to how to approach the young ladies as a gentleman. I smiled and walked on.

All cultures were represented in the various food vendor wagons: pulled pork, with a touch of sauce; gyros in chicken or beef, as a young kid counted his money; curly fries, and deep fried Oreo Cookies topped the list for the country boys; Perogies hit the spot for the indigenous Western Pennsylvanian that attended, at least those born in Pittsburgh; Hot sausage is a crossover food for various groups, be they Pennsylvanians or New Yorkers; last but not least, the venerable Pizza is always greeted with open hearts and mouths by all.

The good times were rolling. When I saw military men in uniform walking about, I thought about what he was thinking, or feeling; was he just back home from over there and experiencing Americana at its best, or was he about to leave all he knew to go over there. I saluted a few with wishes for the best, and truly hoped that next year we would meet once again…

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Odd news

A Western Pennsylvania soldier who was among the remains of nine missing U.S. airmen who has been missing for over 60 years was discovered in a gravesite near the town they went down near; Staff Sgt. Robert J. Flood of Neelyton Pa. flew for the 492nd Bomber group, which flew 64 combat missions over Germany in B-24 Liberators. This crew always returned from missions in rough physical condition, thereby earning their nickname, the “Hard Luck” crew. They flew out of North Pickenham England, home of the Blue Lion Pub, which was the group off duty hour’s hangout. A 48 star American flag that was given to the pub by the group still flies on the pub wall as seen below.

They went down over Germany during a mission, and were found by local German citizens who had learned of their crash site recently. Sgt. Flood will be buried with full honors in Arlington Cemetery.

48 Star flag presented to the Blue Lion Pub still flies

Woman in Period Hat

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Young Support...

October 7, 2007

Here are two more images from the Delmont Apple Festival. When I took the “Support The Troops” banner to the festival to have those attending sign it if they wished to show support, and to give hope to “Our Boys Over There,” I was surprised by how many young people signed the banner. It was heartwarming!

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

(Click on Images to enlarge)

This site is Dedicated ... To the Memory Of:

October 7, 2007



If only we could tell a love lost just one more word, have just one more look. Only in our dreams does this wish come true, so how do we deal with it when the light devours the night once again?

This is real for so many, as they give all for their buddies, while fighting for their country. Army Staff Sgt. Micheal E. Dooley did just that on June 8, 2003. He went out into harm’s way to assist a supposedly sick man, when the person that was seeking medical assistance killed him in Al Asad Iraq.

This update site is not normally used for the purpose of reporting casualties. Today, I met his wife Christine Dooley in person while at a function having a “Support The Troops” banner signed by the public. I then discovered that her husband and I had walked the same path on Fort Carson, so this is personal to me. I am dedicating this site this week to the memory of Sgt. Micheal E. Dooley, and to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

Close your eyes, then open them, now try to imagine that the one person who you love more than yourself is gone forever. Forever is forever, and time is now.

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Apple Festival, Delmont Pennsylvania

"SUPPORT OUR TROOPS" BANNER

October 7, 2007



Delmont Pennsylvania is a small town located 26 miles east of Pittsburgh, but the small is growing with more and more of the population moving away from the city each year. This is where the Delmont Apple ‘N Arts Festival is held every year. The temperature hovered around 88 degrees today; an unusually hot day for October, but a nice reprieve anyway you look at it.

The famous Delmont apple cider is made with a huge barn filling contraption that was made in 1907, which makes it one hundred years old this year. The quality and taste of it in the cider world would be comparable to Château Margaux in the French wine world. Once you have experienced it, there is no other.

Last week while attending the Derry “Railroad Days” I went to an Indiana Pennsylvania restaurant for dinner. While there, I saw a banner that was hanging on the wall, and today I took it to the apple festival. The banner “Support Our Troops” attracted such a crowd, with so many people signing their best wishes to the troops, which filled the banner from corner to corner with the names of so many. I met many supportive folks that were honored to send their good thoughts and best wishes to Our Boys Over There. A woman, who was last to sign the banner, had passed by a few times before doing so, she had tears in her eyes as she passed by, but she finally stopped. Christine looked me directly in the eye and said, “My husband was killed in Iraq. I want to sign this.”

To the viewer of the nightly news, hearing of troops being killed that day is just a number, as the seer just continues on with whatever he or she was doing. It is not so easy when a real person looks you in the eye, and then tells you that another breathing and living human being that they loved was killed on your behalf. This contact became even closer when she told me that he was stationed at Fort Carson, which is where I shot the Cavalry charge image that is on the bottom of this site on this date. As we talked I learned that her husband, Micheal Dooley, was at the parade grounds on Fort Carson Colorado where I shot the image, at the time that I shot it. He was one of the soldiers in the 3rd ACR (Armor Cavalry Unit), one of the units that I captured on film that day. Her husband and I shared a place in time and space. The news was not of some stranger who is surreal, but for me it was someone that I captured on film, and now in my heart.

The day was a wonderful afternoon for thousands of folks basking in the sun, and basking in freedom, due to the sacrifice by a few for the many.


Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

(Click on images to enlarge)

Come Home Soon Robert Brooke

October 7, 2007



While at the Delmont Apple ‘N Art Festival today, I met the daughter of a soldier who is currently stationed in Iraq. She was signing the banner “Support Our Troops” that I had at the festival to have attendees sign if they wished to show support for those who are fighting for their right to participate freely in such activities.

This is not routine for this site, but in person requests are exceptions. Robert Brooke, may you return to your daughter as soon as possible. I hope this image brings a smile to you wherever you are.

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Helping Dad, if I could only get this hat back on his head!

September 30, 2007:


This sunny Sunday found the Pirates in their last game of the year, as their record would not provide a pass beyond. Although the team has again found itself in the dark abyss of last place, the fans showed up in force, more for the social event than for the celebration of sport actually.

While at the game during the 7th inning stretch, a notable band sang, “America the Beautiful.” It was eerily surreal as I stared out across the outfield; my thoughts then turned to all of you over there in the sands of the desert. I remembered the many times that I stood in awe watching the landscapes below from the top of Pikes Peak, as did Katherine Lee Bates who was also overwhelmed by the view from this heavenly perch—so inspired that she penned the poem that became the song in 1883. Those of you who may have once taken this beauty for granted, not only from Pikes Peak, but also in your own backyard, in your neighborhood, and in your life—will never do so again after returning home. You too will be overwhelmed when your eyes once again breathe in the beauty wherever you may find it in the place you call home.

The passing of the game on Sunday was the last coffin nail driven into the last remaining vestige of summer. No one seemed to mind, as they went about the joy of sharing the experience together. Without hope, and now void of lofty expectations, they actually enjoyed the game for how it was played ... win or lose it did not matter. This flashback to playground morals where smiles trumped egos was a thoroughly refreshing look back into retro pre-puberty. The footlongs were not bad either, mustard optional.

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Occasionally through the murky waters of today comes clarity from yesteryear. A local “Boy of Summer” set a new world record in a game of picayune stature in these deadly serious times of war on many fronts around the world. Russell "Rock Bottom" Byars cast a stone that skipped on water a whopping 51 times, shattering the old world record of 40.

Bravo, well done Mr. Byars!

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Derry Pennsylvania Railroad Days

1929 American LaFrance

Pony Rides...

September 29, 2007

Many Pennsylvanians celebrated this wonderful Saturday in Derry Pennsylvania during the town’s annual “Railroad Days.” This small town fifty miles east of Pittsburgh is a quiet community where the silence roars, and is now without all of the loud sounds, sights, and the activity that once was part of this former railroad hub. This small-town USA is filled with strong support for your efforts over there. I saw a large “Support Our Troops” banner hanging with the personal signatures of citizens surrounding this proclamation of their love and support for all of you!

The iron rails that run through town still carry the mighty Iron Horse, as many passed by on this day. Unlike before the trains do not stop, but pass by like a modern airliner six miles up over flyover-country. The personal human connection of a coworker's handshake, or the look into another’s eyes is not a part of today’s reality in the railway industry here anymore, much like the steel industry just fifty miles away in Pittsburgh. Derry has had to adapt to the new realities of the information age, but this area still has some hands on production at a local company that manufactures parts for Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Smells of food that is only found in southwest Pennsylvania permeated the morning winds. Smiling kids with painted faces emptied the freshly hand-squeezed lemonade inventories before midday, and the curly fries with ketchup as an accessory, assaulted the freshly prepped clothing of the first timers at this annual bash. As the children played the old ones looked on in good cheer; remembrance is an earned right. If a smile were the sun, it was a very bright day in Derry today; as the temperature differential between day and night forewarn of the coming winter.

This new generation of Americans in small-town USA is growing up in the threatening shadows of the war. Although they may not know it yet, their freedom, their way of life is not a surety. The hard work and the risks that you undertake every single day that your boots are on the ground there, is the barometer of their future.

What you do in the present will determine what they can do in the future.


Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

(Click on images to enlarge)

Life in Pennsylvania

This first “Our Boys Over There” update is only one of a series. The primary targeted audience is our boys from Southwest Pennsylvania, but anyone with boots on the ground over there is cordially invited to read along, and are most sincerely welcome.

Nice weather for This last weekend of September, which will help support the car show at the Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday. A good showing of classic autos is expected. In Derry it is “Railroad Days” all weekend. On Sunday our Pirates will host the St. Louis for the last performance of America’s pastime. The boys are in the cellar again this year, but there is always the proverbial cliché—wait until next year. Later in the day the Steelers will be playing an away game. The team is under new management with a new coach for the first time in over fifteen years. They look like the classic world-beater teams of times past. No matter, a good hot sausage sandwich, hot wings, and a beer--is still the classic burg fare at the stadium or in the game room!

Most of the summer venues such as Kennywood Park are closed for winter, save the fright night activities to bring on the Halloween season for the younger folks. Kennywood Park was a success this year, as it was filled daily with summer fun thrill seekers of all ages. The girls back home where present and accounted for as well, cotton candy devoured, and roasted peanuts disappearing faster than the sunny skies. The coasters brought back memories of old. The original classic Kennywood wooden rides broadcasted that beautiful sound of iron wheels playing those century old wooden structures like a violin at Carnegie Hall to all within earshot.

Everyone is keeping up with the war effort as they watch it unfold in the various news sources. Most are sincere in supporting you no matter where they fall politically, and this is especially true for those who matter most to you; this is a certainty.

There are no words that can convey my appreciation for what you are doing for all of us, and I speak for more folks than you may believe or have been told about. Any free man or woman worthy of the word is with you to the end.

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

(Click on images to enlarge)

Our Boys Over There

I would like to welcome all military personnel to my “Our Boys Over There” postings. Boys are a classic term, which in my world I define it as Men and Women from this point forward. The updates and news are primarily related to Western Pennsylvania, or Southwest Pennsylvania, but no matter where you call home you are welcome. This is not pointed in the direction of any particular branch of the armed forces; all who serve overseas are welcome as one.

The updates are your connection back home. The landscape here is the taste of home, with informative information, events and places, as the recipe. I hope that you find something interesting or even entertaining on occasion.

You are the reason I do what I do here without strings attached, and without agenda or personal gain. A look back home at the little things that are most often taken for granted by those who sleep in safe beds, eat marbled steaks, have mates who smell good, and the only daily risk that they take is falling out of their computer chair … may be a refreshing change from the mainstream media for you.

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania