Thanksgiving ... CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR THE TROOPS PROJECT

(CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGES)

The holiday season starts in just a few days with the coming of Thanksgiving. This time of year can be hard on those who are away from home, while those so privileged to be so take it for granted, as they fight over the table. The family is a given for most folks, but those lucky enough to have a sweetheart back home is doubly in jeopardy of a broken heart. I know it seems like a problem without solution, but sometimes you have to depend on those close to you, such as the same one who has your back everyday.

The first picture here tonight was shot in the new World War Two Memorial in Washington DC. These words of Admiral Nimitz so eloquently paints this relationship between brothers-in-arms; it is still so true today. World War Two didn’t have something new, or old fashioned. Not only does his words past the test of history, they still work today in our contemporary world.

The second picture of the two buddies was shot at Pearl Harbor just before the attack. They fought together, and supported each other for the long haul. Some of the men didn’t see home again for years after the war started; during that time all they had, was their buddies.

I am hoping that you do make it home this week, or on Christmas, but if you don’t, remember that you are not alone.

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CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR THE TROOPS PROJECT:

I am going to start up my program again this year that matches up soldiers coming back home to Pittsburgh without a place to eat Christmas dinner with volunteer citizens who will share this special time with you. Pittsburgh is not like a lot of cities with major military bases, as most here are guard units, but there will be some left out due to circumstances of various sorts. If you know anyone, including yourself in need of a place to share a Christmas meal, please contact me directly through the comment box at the end of each column. Please leave a way, address or phone number to reach you, or someone locally that has access to you.

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Sports Update:

Steelers spanked the Bengals, 27 to 10.

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Weather update:

This week has turned cold with the temperatures staying in the 30s all week long.

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Keep your head down; don’t lose your concentration during this season!

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

History is our teacher...

This original Boot Camp graduation photo was shot in 1940,
he is a Pearl Harbor survivor

Black Sailors having a little R&R
this is an original WWII Photo

I have not mentioned it, but I have been doing a project that involves Pearl Harbor survivors. This column is not about me … it is about you, thus my silence on this project. It is relevant now due to my use of facts that I have learned from my survivors in this week’s column. Although the information in some parts relate to World War Two, the history is important so past mistakes will not be repeated.

Today’s military is very diverse, but that has not always been the way it was. During World War Two and before, Black service members were not treated as an equal. They served in non-combat rates, or units. In the Navy during WWII they were relegated to being mess attendants, stewards, and cooks. In the army they found similar limitations to their career and dignity. That was then.

This column is politically neutral, so the Presidential Election is not subject to such here.
I will say though, that going from a steward cleaning officer’s shoes to the commander in chief is worthy of noting here tonight.

I think that anytime a new commander in chief is about to take office it is dicey, as they have to earn your respect, since you live and die by their leadership or lack thereof. May it be the former?

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Sports Update:

The Steelers defeated the Chargers, 11 to 10! This is the first time in NFL history for this specific score…

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The weather has turned ugly this week, with snow flurries and much colder temps…

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

VETERANS DAY 2008

Edith Shain Then,
August 14, 1945

Edith Shain today

Edith Shain next to her likeness sculpture

click on images to enlarge

Veterans Day was a good one here in Western Pennsylvania. The day started with a parade downtown, and the rest of the cold afternoon found this Veteran out and about on his Harley. I rode for those veterans who could not!

This day honoring veterans has changed over the years with the political winds, but it has always maintained the original creative intent … to make those who are not such, aware of what others have done in their name. Those who did make the ultimate personal sacrifice would probably not be concerned about such waxing lyrical, as they more than likely died for the man next to, or behind them. The outsider cannot see or feel that bond that can only come from those so dependent on each other … a bond of trust not felt by most. A bond like this one does not throw away, most remain friends for life, “I got your back!”

I have selected a few images of World War Two fame for this column, with a few hot and current ones as well. They are but symbols, and not current in today’s news. These symbols represent a time when we as a country stood by the men and women in harm’s way like at no other time in our history. Those who were there must less those who watched it by newsreels, cannot comprehend the scope of that war. Such horrific and ghastly scenes do not permit simplistic logic to understand what happened, so most who saw chose to forget. It took some over 60 years to talk about what they saw, did, and felt then, during the biggest event of man ever.

The VJ Day kiss image is THE image remembered when most folks from that time think of the end of the war. Thousands of images were shot that day, but this one is the one. Like most memorable images, it is one of a serendipitous nature that was born out of instinct, captured as it happened … these qualities give it that thing that we like about it. The nurse in the images is Edith Shain. I met her in San Diego while out there shooting portraits and interviewing Pearl Harbor survivors. She is a special woman with an attitude that has not diminished in all these years … she has grit!

Veterans are easy. If you know one, give him a smile … he will know.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Halloween Weekend, pre-election fun

This week ended with Halloween on Friday. It was a nice relief from the national stress over the economy and the pending election in two days. The turnout of kids in the neighborhoods was great here in Western Pennsylvania.

The election is important to you over there, as your next commander in chief will be decided on Tuesday. On such an important event I will stick to the theme here in this column and avoid politics. My concern is for you over there and I hope that the right man gets elected, for your sake, and the country’s sake. Time will tell…

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The Steelers do not play until tomorrow on Monday Night Football. I will update you on the game then.

MONDAY NIGHT UPDATE:

Steelers 23, Washington 6!





Without gilding the lily any further this week before the election, I will say,

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum, Pennsylvania