War is Today

Stealth Fighter

Pennsylvania has been a busy state lately. The Presidential candidates finally finished their firestorm from one side of the state to the other, as the voters made their decision ending the ugly squabble. All gloves were off, and everything but the Kitchen sink was promised to everyone who cast a vote for their favorite taking suit. This election was no different than any other, as they talked about tomorrow not understanding that war is today!

The tour of duty apparently is going to be shortened for all of you over there, or for those who are about to go. This is good news.

The weather back here has been unseasonably warm this week with temperatures reaching close to eighty degrees. This pleasant surprise will be rolled back tonight with a cold front arriving from the west.

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Sports update:

The sports scene around here has been the big story this week. The Penguins have won 6 playoff games in a row! They swept Ottawa in 4 games, and just today they shutout the Rangers for their second win in a row over the New York arrogant guys.

The Steelers did a good job in the NFL draft picking up a few surprises. I will update the draft news later…
Update: A nationwide poll on ESPN shows Pittsburgh with the second best draft overall!

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Keep your head down.

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

The Blessing of the Bikes

Blessing Of The Bikes

Proud To Be An American

Kate

Saluting the Flag

Raising The Flag

Fred Marshall

This Sunday found me at the first bike event of the year here in Western Pennsylvania … The Blessing of the Bikes. This was the 12Th annual blessing by Rev Daniel B. Lawrence or Pastor Dan, as those who ride with him know him. The location of the event is at the Murrysville Alliance Church. Every year the blessing has grown in the number of attendees, although this year was down just a little from the 10,000 bikes of last year due to the horrible weather forecast, which never came to bear.

The purpose of the blessing is to bring riders together and share a blessing of their bikes for the new riding season. It is also a way for Pastor Dan to introduce his Sunday service to those who wish to do so, although many just come for the camaraderie of the bike event. There is food and coffee available for all visitors; as well as free pins to wear that show the wearers support and participation.

This blessing was in honor of the troops over seas, and current or recent vets were brought up to the podium to be honored by the large crowd. The parents of troops now serving were also brought up as well for the show of support by all present. The families of those serving abroad also have to sacrifice, live in fear, and go through the war as an active part of it. The parents, as well as spouses or significant others have had to endure the worries about the health and welfare of love ones in precarious circumstances since war was fought for the first time. There is nothing that lifts the spirits of such loved ones like a letter from overseas telling them how you are all right; although they know that you are lying, it makes them feel better nonetheless. Keep those letters coming!

When the proceedings get to the point where the Murrysville Fire Department raises the flag up 100 feet, I always think of my old friend, Fred Marshall, He was a World War Two vet who volunteered as a firefighter for the company since coming back home from the war. He passed away last year after 65 years of firefighting service to his community.

After all is done, a core of the riders meet at a designated place for the sharing of bread together. This day was no different as we met in Greensburg for a nice meal and sophisticated conversation that ran the gauntlet of boy talk, with a sprinkle of feminine opine. Other small groups met at other venues, then it was time for everyone to spread out in all directions, as those from the neighboring states headed home. I will look for some of you next year when you come back home. Look for me there, as I will be there.

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Photos:
1. Blessing of the bikes: A view of the back and overflow parking lot.
2. I Am Proud to be an American: This 17 year-old woman sang her heart out during the indoor service doing her rendition of “God Bless the USA (Proud to be an American).” It was very refreshing to see a young person with such pride.
3. Kate: This young woman rider refuses to be defined by anyone, and is an original free spirit. She rode in for her first blessing on a bike that she brought back from the dead, and although it looks on the surface to be old and decrepit, she is very proud of her resourcefulness to be able to do such, and ride with pride.
4. A few of the vets saluting the flag as it is being raised by the Murrysville FD.
5. Company 120 of the Murrysville FD is taking the flag up in front of the crowd.
6. Fred Marshall. A portrait I shot of him shortly before he passed on.

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Keep Your Head Down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Spring is becoming very colorful in Western Pa.

Try Burnin' This One!

57 Chevy

Spring is becoming very colorful in Western Pennsylvania … growing more so each day. The classic cars, motorcycles, and associated activities are blossoming across the landscape. The whisper of winter has been replaced by the decibels of a tuned V8 exhaust. Two wheeled rockets have replaced the more sedate motion. Winter goose down has given way to denim shorts. The girls back home have reappeared into the golden rays of the sun, vivaciously bringing about smiles on the boys back home.

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Sports Update:

The Penguins have won their first two-playoff games against the Ottawa Senators. Well done!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

"THIS IS NEXT YEAR!" OPENING DAY!

Sidney Crosby celebrating winning the divisional title!

(photo by Gregory Shamus via Getty Images)

Boys, Autographs, and Opening Day 2007

PNC PARK on opening day 2007

The hometown good news this week is local sports. Earlier this week the Penguins won their first divisional title in a decade, and are now set for two home games first in the playoffs. Now the focus shifts to the Pirates as PNC Park greets the first game of the year, the official home park opening game. They have been on the road to start the season with quite the winning way coming home with them. The team has been overhauled with a new general manager, president, and coaches. This great start gives hope to the ending wishes of last season, “There is always next year!”

Opening day has always been quite the powerful tradition here in Pittsburgh. Baseball was the sport, but it was so much more, this tradition. This was the day when a boy and the old man would get to share a day … win or lose was a mere detail. If you got lucky you might get close enough to a player to get an autograph. Sitting in the upper deck seats with your feet stretched out, the sun on your face, as well as remnants of popcorn, cotton candy, and other various bellyache causing pleasures was a timeless special day. All that didn’t matter as you were on top of the mountain when the old man took you to the park for that first day, that first time, that remembrance to be forever indelibly burnt into your soul. Yes, that day was so much more than baseball.

I would love to see the fans start our new mantra, “This is next year!”

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You can believe that most folks when they see the flag and hear the national anthem start, will shed a fear tears for those who lost their lives in the sand of some place so far away they cannot fathom it. If they did think they had a handle on it from the comfort of being home would be disingenuous on their part. Most know that they do not know, only the ones who actually have to experience war, then spend the rest of their lives trying to make of sense of it, have any idea of what it is actually like. Sports give folks at home, and vets who have returned a little sense of normalcy in these times that seem lost of any common sense at all. Here’s to your attending Opening Day next year, where you can yell out at the top of your lungs, “Go Pirates! This is next year!”

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania