Santa and steel
Santa and Iron
Santa on steel
Christmas looms over the horizon on this day. I am fully aware that for some of you such can be a worry, and not the fun expectation that you enjoyed as a child. That pureness in innocence was the golden standard of Christmas appreciation before; before that first cynic told you his or her version of the truth about Santa, before girls, before work, and damn sure before the war. You may be alone in a strange place, but when you close your eyes and let remembrance take you back to those days when perfumed girls were not allowed in the tree house, and when Santa actually did eat the cookies on the mantle, then you again will smile.
Everyone here that will enjoy the day in freedom is cashing a check that you are now paying for. They may not appreciate that fact, but then there are the many that certainly do. Many vets will take the time to reflect on those lonely moments while on duty around the globe. Some have written to me to express just that,
“Mr. Hill,
I read the Laurel given to you in Friday's Tribune Review for your efforts in linking up military personnel in our area with families willing to have them for Christmas Day.
My wife and I are interested in having more information so that we can make a decision as to whether or not we can help.
We have two sons in the Air Force who will be in San Antonio (Lackland - Lt. Col..) and Las Vegas (Nellis - SrA) for the holidays. In fact, the Lt. Col. last year had two Airmen from Lackland Basic Training at his home for Christmas.
Thanks for your efforts on behalf of those in the military. I recall from my own experience being away for two Christmases with nothing to do but eat and go to a movie with some buddies. (Wasn't all bad, though, because most of us were and the young folks still are survivors.
Vince and Ellie”
They are talking about my ‘adopt a soldier for Christmas program.’ Pittsburgh has always been a big city with a small town attitude. To have these kind folks volunteering their home and time to share Christmas with our boys over there is amazing in these days of fear. It is like a rekindling of an America from a better time, a time when we all felt a commonality of purpose, of country, and of family. This is a great holiday season here in Pittsburgh. Lynn and Doug wrote,
“Mr. Hill,
First off, God bless you in your endevour. I read an article in the Trib yesterday about your campaign to share Christmas with military personnel. My husband and I would be honored to help. We live in Moon Township (near both 911th airbase and 99th Regional command) and we see soldiers and airmen nearly everyday in our community. If its not too late, we would appreciate your return email to let us know how we can help. Merry Christmas!”
What a wonderful letter. It is not about me, but all about helping you over there. Not many folks would let strangers into their home, but for you it is the exception, as you see here tonight. This warmth of heart should be kept close to yours as you ponder the what-ifs over the holidays.
-------**--------
I took a short drive this evening to see if any photos that would fit into today’s column would find me. They did, and I have added them to the column. I have found that if I go out looking for a specific image it eludes me, but if I go out with an open mind and eye, images find me, just as these images did on this day. How cool is it that by coincidence I would find Santa on Steel in Steel-Town USA?
--------**--------
I would now like to honestly say from the heart, without agenda, and hopefully without beating a worn out cliché,
HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Keep your head down,
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
No comments:
Post a Comment