A MILITARY MOM'S MISSION
Military Mom Angela Lashley has an important mission this holiday season. Her son's safe return from war and devoted service to his country keeps her inspired to help other soldiers and their families. She recently participated in a podcast interview describing her goals to spread the blue star movement across the nation in order to keep the spirit of soldier appreciation alive. Please visit her Web-site sobravesong.com. You can listen to her interview by CLICKING HERE.
During the holiday season it is very important to realize, regardless of your politics, that soldiers everywhere need your help. Their bravery and sacrifice is important to acknowledge and appreciate, and there are many important charities helping out in this capacity. Support one of these charities or think of something you can do independently to help a family or soldier in need during this holiday season.
Please spread the word however you can about Angela's important motherly mission and share her songs and message of appreciation with everyone you know.
UGLY SWEATER PARTY TO SEND ILL KIDS TO SEE CELTICS
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
On Saturday December 11, 2010, the b Positive Project will host “Boston’s 4th Annual and Largest Ugly Sweater Party." The purpose of this event is to send 45+ sick kids from the Starlight Children’s Foundation to a Boston Celtics game on January 3rd. Fight News Unlimited is pleased to be sponsoring this wonderful event at Market Boston. Join hundreds of fellow Bostonians at this wild, wacky event. It’s the funniest of its kind. There will be raffles, prizes and drink specials and plenty of ugly sweaters. The cost to attend is a $20 cover charge at the door. But we'd like to extend an opportunity for you to pre-register for just $15, as our guest.
Just click this link, and you and your colleagues will be able to sign up, courtesy of Fight News Unlimited. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information about the b Positive Project, click here.
The b Positive Project – An apparel company that gives back to non-profits. When you see someone wearing the “b” it means they are doing good for others. We believe in creating quality, comfortable and inspiring apparel that motivates you and makes you feel good in your mind, body, soul and heart. Become a fan on Facebook and help spread the positivity – www.facebook.com/thebpositiveproject
b Sure to attend our upcoming event – “Boston’s 4th Annual Ugly Sweater Party” – To purchase tickets CLICK HERE
George Everette "Bud" Day And The Tap Code
Monday, November 22, 2010
By: Rich Bergeron
Retired US Air Force Colonel George Everette "Bud" Day was the only serviceman in Vietnam to be held prisoner in both North and South Vietnam camps. His multiple years in captivity forced him to rely on a sophisticated tap code he told my entire freshman class about once in a presentation at Michell Hall (A.K.A. The Mess Hall). I was a freshman cadet in the class of 1999, eating lunch under duress and listening to a legend on the podium describe years of painful and trying mental and physical torture. I felt rude chewing food in front of this guy, but his eyes lit up when he spoke of the tap code that connected him with every other prisoner who ever had to communicate this way. Messages were banged out in a necessity-driven, adapted Morse Code language of successive taps or knocks. The exchange had its own special meaning to the captive soldiers who resorted to using it, because it symbolized an unspoken victory in their fight to maintain their honor and camaraderie.
Day's incredible saga of truly honorable and courageous service in the face of the worst conditions possible is the stuff of legend. It is no wonder his efforts earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor.
According to Day's Wikipedia Page, his Medal of Honor Citation Reads:
"On 26 August 1967, Col. Day was forced to eject from his aircraft over North Vietnam when it was hit by ground fire. His right arm was broken in 3 places, and his left knee was badly sprained. He was immediately captured by hostile forces and taken to a prison camp where he was interrogated and severely tortured. After causing the guards to relax their vigilance, Col. Day escaped into the jungle and began the trek toward South Vietnam. Despite injuries inflicted by fragments of a bomb or rocket, he continued southward surviving only on a few berries and uncooked frogs. He successfully evaded enemy patrols and reached the Ben Hai River, where he encountered U.S. artillery barrages. With the aid of a bamboo log float, Col. Day swam across the river and entered the demilitarized zone. Due to delirium, he lost his sense of direction and wandered aimlessly for several days. After several unsuccessful attempts to signal U.S. aircraft, he was ambushed and recaptured by the Viet Cong, sustaining gunshot wounds to his left hand and thigh. He was returned to the prison from which he had escaped and later was moved to Hanoi after giving his captors false information to questions put before him. Physically, Col. Day was totally debilitated and unable to perform even the simplest task for himself. Despite his many injuries, he continued to offer maximum resistance. His personal bravery in the face of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of fellow aviators who were still flying against the enemy. Col. Day's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces."
Day's sacrifices and soldiering on through the most intolerable conditions afforded him a reputation as one of the most decorated United States Military men since General Douglas MacArthur. He endured so much pain and suffering to protect his fellow pilots, and Colonel Day should be forever saluted as a hero for his selfless service.
Retired US Air Force Colonel George Everette "Bud" Day was the only serviceman in Vietnam to be held prisoner in both North and South Vietnam camps. His multiple years in captivity forced him to rely on a sophisticated tap code he told my entire freshman class about once in a presentation at Michell Hall (A.K.A. The Mess Hall). I was a freshman cadet in the class of 1999, eating lunch under duress and listening to a legend on the podium describe years of painful and trying mental and physical torture. I felt rude chewing food in front of this guy, but his eyes lit up when he spoke of the tap code that connected him with every other prisoner who ever had to communicate this way. Messages were banged out in a necessity-driven, adapted Morse Code language of successive taps or knocks. The exchange had its own special meaning to the captive soldiers who resorted to using it, because it symbolized an unspoken victory in their fight to maintain their honor and camaraderie.Day's incredible saga of truly honorable and courageous service in the face of the worst conditions possible is the stuff of legend. It is no wonder his efforts earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor.
According to Day's Wikipedia Page, his Medal of Honor Citation Reads:
"On 26 August 1967, Col. Day was forced to eject from his aircraft over North Vietnam when it was hit by ground fire. His right arm was broken in 3 places, and his left knee was badly sprained. He was immediately captured by hostile forces and taken to a prison camp where he was interrogated and severely tortured. After causing the guards to relax their vigilance, Col. Day escaped into the jungle and began the trek toward South Vietnam. Despite injuries inflicted by fragments of a bomb or rocket, he continued southward surviving only on a few berries and uncooked frogs. He successfully evaded enemy patrols and reached the Ben Hai River, where he encountered U.S. artillery barrages. With the aid of a bamboo log float, Col. Day swam across the river and entered the demilitarized zone. Due to delirium, he lost his sense of direction and wandered aimlessly for several days. After several unsuccessful attempts to signal U.S. aircraft, he was ambushed and recaptured by the Viet Cong, sustaining gunshot wounds to his left hand and thigh. He was returned to the prison from which he had escaped and later was moved to Hanoi after giving his captors false information to questions put before him. Physically, Col. Day was totally debilitated and unable to perform even the simplest task for himself. Despite his many injuries, he continued to offer maximum resistance. His personal bravery in the face of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of fellow aviators who were still flying against the enemy. Col. Day's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces."
Day's sacrifices and soldiering on through the most intolerable conditions afforded him a reputation as one of the most decorated United States Military men since General Douglas MacArthur. He endured so much pain and suffering to protect his fellow pilots, and Colonel Day should be forever saluted as a hero for his selfless service.
Lance Peter Sijan: Courage Under Fire
By: Rich Bergeron
As a freshman "doolie" at the United States Air Force Academy, I learned that Lance Peter Sijan was the Academy's only medal of honor winner. His legend loomed large as a beacon to greatness, though his stint as a cadet was not particularly spectacular. He blended into the crowd on campus, but when Vietnam came he jumped into an F-4 Phantom and stood out with his skills and his bravery.
The Medal of Honor Citation for Captain Sijan says it all:
"While on a flight over North Vietnam, Capt. Sijan ejected from his disabled aircraft and successfully evaded capture for more than 6 weeks. During this time, he was seriously injured and suffered from shock and extreme weight loss due to lack of food. After being captured by North Vietnamese soldiers, Capt. Sijan was taken to a holding point for subsequent transfer to a prisoner of war camp. In his emaciated and crippled condition, he overpowered one of his guards and crawled into the jungle, only to be recaptured after several hours. He was then transferred to another prison camp where he was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated at length. During interrogation, he was severely tortured; however, he did not divulge any information to his captors. Capt. Sijan lapsed into delirium and was placed in the care of another prisoner. During his intermittent periods of consciousness until his death, he never complained of his physical condition and, on several occasions, spoke of future escape attempts. Capt. Sijan's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces."
. At the Air Force Academy we memorized the code of conduct and several other passages and quotes meant to ingrain in us a method of surviving any capture and/or interrogation without divulging anything more than name rank and serial number. None of these codes and credos were as significant as knowing Lance Sijan's true tale of survival, bravery, and stalwart support of his country, though. We all knew that despite vicious torture techniques employed on him while in North Vietnamese captivity, Sijan never displayed a weak moment under questioning. He was the toughest of the tough, crawling over harsh terrain on his back with such severe fractures to evade capture for so long. I can never forget his true story of amazing endurance and human spirit. His will to survive without compromising his integrity or his devotion to duty was remarkable.
Find out More about Lance Peter Sijan, United States Air Force Academy Class of 1965, at his Wikipedia Page.
Click Hereo To Learn How to Nominate A Hero
The Medal of Honor Citation for Captain Sijan says it all:
"While on a flight over North Vietnam, Capt. Sijan ejected from his disabled aircraft and successfully evaded capture for more than 6 weeks. During this time, he was seriously injured and suffered from shock and extreme weight loss due to lack of food. After being captured by North Vietnamese soldiers, Capt. Sijan was taken to a holding point for subsequent transfer to a prisoner of war camp. In his emaciated and crippled condition, he overpowered one of his guards and crawled into the jungle, only to be recaptured after several hours. He was then transferred to another prison camp where he was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated at length. During interrogation, he was severely tortured; however, he did not divulge any information to his captors. Capt. Sijan lapsed into delirium and was placed in the care of another prisoner. During his intermittent periods of consciousness until his death, he never complained of his physical condition and, on several occasions, spoke of future escape attempts. Capt. Sijan's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces."
Find out More about Lance Peter Sijan, United States Air Force Academy Class of 1965, at his Wikipedia Page.
Click Hereo To Learn How to Nominate A Hero
THANKSGIVING FOR HEROES
Friday, November 19, 2010
By: Rich Bergeron
Heroism is much more than an important value. It's a way of life for some people, and they react to injustice or tragic circumstances without a second thought. They throw themselves into the fire again and again if it saves the lives of others. If they die on duty, then so be it. That's what they signed up for.
Heroism is unfortunately all to often a rare commodity in today's society. Not everyone feels like they can really be a hero, whether it is because they don't feel strong enough or because they can't afford it, or maybe they don't have the spine for it. We've become a society of cogs, thinking we're specialized pieces and better leave the heroism to the military and the civil service folks. Yet, everyone could be a hero if they really wanted to and the moment ahead of them required heroism. You don't need a phone booth or a Superman costume. It's only a matter of confidence and a willingness to step up and help.
Whatever the reason so many people don't step up and do great things as much as they should, it also seems people who are heroic often get overlooked, or they fade away. We need to make the stories of heroes historic. Something we don't just hear about on Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. We need to make those lives matter and share their stories with the world, so that others will want to follow their example of bravery and fortitude in their own lives. Role models like the men and women who have earned the hero label throughout history should be celebrated and thanked.
To promote the Thanksgiving For Heroes concept I would like to print stories of heroic people that are personalized and nominated by real people out there. I'd like to keep this up through the holidays, straight through to the new year, and beyond. It should be a central theme of this site to salute everyday heroes from all walks of life, so we will keep the thanks coming. Please email Memorials For Heroes Founder Rich Bergeron at rich.bergeron@gmail.com to nominate a hero from your community or family. Please be creative and include pictures. I will write a personal account of their heroism working with your material and approval, and I will post a blog here on the site telling your hero's story.
Heroism is unfortunately all to often a rare commodity in today's society. Not everyone feels like they can really be a hero, whether it is because they don't feel strong enough or because they can't afford it, or maybe they don't have the spine for it. We've become a society of cogs, thinking we're specialized pieces and better leave the heroism to the military and the civil service folks. Yet, everyone could be a hero if they really wanted to and the moment ahead of them required heroism. You don't need a phone booth or a Superman costume. It's only a matter of confidence and a willingness to step up and help.
Whatever the reason so many people don't step up and do great things as much as they should, it also seems people who are heroic often get overlooked, or they fade away. We need to make the stories of heroes historic. Something we don't just hear about on Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. We need to make those lives matter and share their stories with the world, so that others will want to follow their example of bravery and fortitude in their own lives. Role models like the men and women who have earned the hero label throughout history should be celebrated and thanked.
To promote the Thanksgiving For Heroes concept I would like to print stories of heroic people that are personalized and nominated by real people out there. I'd like to keep this up through the holidays, straight through to the new year, and beyond. It should be a central theme of this site to salute everyday heroes from all walks of life, so we will keep the thanks coming. Please email Memorials For Heroes Founder Rich Bergeron at rich.bergeron@gmail.com to nominate a hero from your community or family. Please be creative and include pictures. I will write a personal account of their heroism working with your material and approval, and I will post a blog here on the site telling your hero's story.
CAPT. ANTHONY PALERMO, JR. PUBLIC TRIBUTE VIDEO (FROM April 24, 2010 Battle of the Badges II Event)
Friday, July 23, 2010
The following video is a tribute to Anthony Palermo, Jr., who is the inspiration for MemorialsForHeroes.Com and our Non-Profit Corporation Memorials For Heroes, Incorporated.
This tribute took place at the Battle of the Badges II (http://www.battleofthebadges.info/) event earlier this year and could not have come together without the generous support of Norwich University and President Richard W. Schneider. Special thanks to the promoters of the Battle of the Badges II event, the Palermo family, and Steve Martin with http://bpositiveproject.com/.
The final design for Tony's plaque has been approved. The mounting of the plaque will happen on Memorial Day, 2011. There will be more details on the accompanying dedication ceremony in the near future.
We will soon feature posters of the plaque design rendering on this site and at http://www.anthonypalermomemorial.info/. The sale of these posters and framed prints will support a college fund for Anthony's son Marcus which we will be opening in Tony's honor.
Tony will live on as a role model for future generations, and the legacy of his good deeds will put his young son through college if we are successful. This is the perfect way to honor his sacrifice above and beyond ackowledging it with the plaque and the words spoken about him below.
This tribute took place at the Battle of the Badges II (http://www.battleofthebadges.info/) event earlier this year and could not have come together without the generous support of Norwich University and President Richard W. Schneider. Special thanks to the promoters of the Battle of the Badges II event, the Palermo family, and Steve Martin with http://bpositiveproject.com/.
The final design for Tony's plaque has been approved. The mounting of the plaque will happen on Memorial Day, 2011. There will be more details on the accompanying dedication ceremony in the near future.
We will soon feature posters of the plaque design rendering on this site and at http://www.anthonypalermomemorial.info/. The sale of these posters and framed prints will support a college fund for Anthony's son Marcus which we will be opening in Tony's honor.
Tony will live on as a role model for future generations, and the legacy of his good deeds will put his young son through college if we are successful. This is the perfect way to honor his sacrifice above and beyond ackowledging it with the plaque and the words spoken about him below.
MEMORIALS FOR HEROES ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Saturday, July 3, 2010
MEMORIALS FOR HEROES, INCORPORATED IS NOW AN OFFICIAL NON-PROFIT CORPORATION AND WILL BE WORKING TO SECURE SEVERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. PLEASE CONTACT FOUNDER RICH BERGERON AT 617-209-4325 IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO ASSIST US AS WE MOVE FORWARD. WE ARE ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN TALKING TO GRANT WRITERS WITH AFFORDABLE RATES.
NOMINATE A HERO FOR US TO HELP
Sunday, May 16, 2010
If you have a hero you would like to nominate, please send us a message at: memorialsforheroes@yahoo.com and provide contact info for the family of the individual, a description of the individual's heroic deeds, and any suggestions you can think of on how to memorialize your hero.
WELCOME TO MEMORIALSFORHEROES.COM
This site is dedicated to heroes from all walks of life from all over the world who need to be recognized, honored, and remembered. Memorials For Heroes Founder Rich Bergeron created this site to raise more awareness about everyday heroes like U.S. Army Captain Anthony Palermo, Jr. who gave his life for his country on his second tour of duty in Iraq.
Captain Palermo would surely be proud to know his memory and his selfless sacrifice generated such a positive effort to recognize other heroes from the military and beyond. A memorial plaque (see photo) and a series of public tribute events are in the works for Palermo, and that's just for starters. There's been a tremendous outpouring of support from active service military personnel to help recognize this American hero, and that made the next move a no-brainer. Now there is a plan to initiate a scholarship fund in Captain Palermo's honor to benefit his son Marcus and Brockton High School seniors.
We are working to expand our reach and grow exponentially over the course of the next year with as many events as we can think of to promote the cause and spread the word. We are in the process of seeking 501c3 Status and would appreciate anyone willing to provide pro-bono legal services in that regard. For now we have a fund set up to track donations and will continue to update people on upcoming events and happenings related to our effort to recognize heroes everywhere. We are interested in making any partnerships with groups that have common interests and will gladly promote other charities and enterprises operating in the same spirit as we do to recognize the selfless sacrifices of heroes all over the globe.
If you would like to volunteer or become an officer in our future 501c3 Organization, please email memorialsforheroes@yahoo.com and let us know your qualifications and any ideas you might have for how you could assist us. You can use the same address if you would like to host an event or have a suggestion about an event or other information that might help us. If you would like to make a contribution that you want to be tax deductible, you can go through our main partner: New England Warrior, Inc. and make the donation care of Memorials For Heroes. We are working with New England Warrior to coordinate local Northeast events in the United States.
Captain Palermo would surely be proud to know his memory and his selfless sacrifice generated such a positive effort to recognize other heroes from the military and beyond. A memorial plaque (see photo) and a series of public tribute events are in the works for Palermo, and that's just for starters. There's been a tremendous outpouring of support from active service military personnel to help recognize this American hero, and that made the next move a no-brainer. Now there is a plan to initiate a scholarship fund in Captain Palermo's honor to benefit his son Marcus and Brockton High School seniors.
We are working to expand our reach and grow exponentially over the course of the next year with as many events as we can think of to promote the cause and spread the word. We are in the process of seeking 501c3 Status and would appreciate anyone willing to provide pro-bono legal services in that regard. For now we have a fund set up to track donations and will continue to update people on upcoming events and happenings related to our effort to recognize heroes everywhere. We are interested in making any partnerships with groups that have common interests and will gladly promote other charities and enterprises operating in the same spirit as we do to recognize the selfless sacrifices of heroes all over the globe.
If you would like to volunteer or become an officer in our future 501c3 Organization, please email memorialsforheroes@yahoo.com and let us know your qualifications and any ideas you might have for how you could assist us. You can use the same address if you would like to host an event or have a suggestion about an event or other information that might help us. If you would like to make a contribution that you want to be tax deductible, you can go through our main partner: New England Warrior, Inc. and make the donation care of Memorials For Heroes. We are working with New England Warrior to coordinate local Northeast events in the United States.
Please check out our links and stay tuned for more information about our upcoming events in honor of heroes everywhere. Click on the donate button on the right sidebar to support our mission to create memorials of all shapes and sizes and tribute efforts all over the globe to honor fallen heroes.
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