Movers and Shakers Queried: "The specific Veteran I remember most on Memorial Day is ... because....and I am looking forward to summer because...."
On Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
"The specific Veteran I remember most on Memorial Day is George Candido, a WW2 Marine and my dad because he made me aware of what it means to serve your country with pride and also that we must always stand up for what we believe in and what we know is right. He was and is the best example of a true honorable hardworking dedicated man. He has lived his life with honor is well-loved and is the most giving person I know. He's not afraid to take a stand when he thinks an injustice has been done. He was willing to die so that we could live free. As for someone who has passed that I think of - I have a particular soft spot for Audie Murphy - a heroes hero who rushed in against heavy odds and won. He was a well known singer/actor who played a hero on screen but lived to walk the walk in real life. Quite a story on its own....and I am looking forward to summer because I get to spend it with my large network of family and close friends. Every summer for the last several years my family holds mini-reunions around the 4th of July (dad's birthday) and as many family members that can attend show up each year. They come with campers, RV'S tents or just crash at dad's for a few days. We start with a clam boil (it consists of littleneck clams, hotdogs and Portuguese Chorice and bags of potatoes, carrots and onions in a huge boiling cauldron) cooked over an outdoor firepit, we also have the "normal" barbecue goodies too, we play outdoor games, cards, have nighttime bonfires and sing-alongs. The kids bring their bikes and the grown-ups their 4 wheelers - it's just a lot of fun for everyone. Last year our Amish neighbors made homemade ice cream for everyone and the year before they brought their horse and buggy and gave rides to anyone interested. We all look forward to this multi-day event each year. I'm getting excited thinking about what will transpire this year."
-Constance St. George
Director of Sales & Marketing
GEIGER of Austria, Inc.
"The specific Veteran I remember most on Memorial Day is my father-in-law Peter Bonelli because he always talks with so much pride of his time in the military.....and I am looking forward to summer because I will get to spend more time with my family."
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Sal Scognamillo
"I always think of my uncle, Jack Michel, on Memorial Day. He was on The Pope, which may have been the first boat that was sunk by the Japanese in WW2. As a result, he spent the entire war as a POW, working at the Nagasaki shipyards. His experiences there, which he recounted in his book 'Mr. Michel's War' changed his life, and taught me about the realities of war at a very early age.
I love summer because it's when we head to Bermuda as a family. The weather is always perfect, we play a lot of tennis and golf, and we have most of our meals either on the beach or on a boat! Happily, our coffee table book "Bermuda" is almost sold out, so my co-author Georgia Benevides and I are going to start planning our next project!
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Kathy Deane
Author Bermuda
"The specific Veteran I remember most on Memorial Day is a boy named Jamie….because he was married to my friend Kathleen and he didn't make it back from Vietnam. The hardest part for me was we were all good friends, we were all young and suddenly, we were broken into bits because of that horrible war. I've never gotten over that moment when we all heard the news.
...and I am looking forward to summer because New York City, and the North East is a wonderful place to be when the sun is shining and you can picnic along the Hudson. Or take a quick train ride to the beach, or the mountains and enjoy the air, the breeze, the landscapes. "
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Ellen Christine
Ellen Christine Couture
"The specific Veteran I remember most on Memorial Day is General Douglas MacArthur because he is from Little Rock (I was at the "conversation with Bill Clinton" also from Little Rock, just 10 days ago at the Westchester Community College) and because MacArthur said those simple but powerful words "I shall return"....and I am looking forward to summer because it is a new season and a new beginning."
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Michael Rabinowitz (founder of Le Mystere) and CEO of Gaby Dann the USA agent for Maison Lejaby
"The specific Veteran I remember most on Memorial Day is my grandfather Harry L Newell,because he fought for our country's freedom and showed such immense bravery. I am looking forward to summer because it's easier to live a healthier lifestyle being outdoors and doing so many fun activities."
-R
enee Lynn Smith Make up Artist
"The specific Veteran I remember most on Memorial Day is my dad because he is a Vietnam Vet. My sister is mentally retarded from Agent Orange in Vietnam and my dad a strong, humble man who will do anything for his family. Thanks dad for all you do. I am looking forward to summer because as of July 1st I will officially be an Angeleno and there will be no more humidity in my life."
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Jody Bentley
"The specific veteran I remember on Memorial day is my dad who served in WWII and suffered greatly, due to his own injury and the death of many friends who attended the Citadel with him. Yet, in spite of this traumatic period in his life, he was determined to be happy and enjoy his family and his life fully. And he did!
I am looking forward to the summer because my favorite place is the beach with my favorite people, my family."
-Carolyn O'Keefe, American Estate Jewelry
"The specific Veteran I remember most on Memorial Day is Bob Hope because of all the wonderful shows he put on for most of his life and career just for the troops. A true veteran hero! I am looking forward to summer because I’m ready to see the ocean and get some sun!"
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Ramy Gafni
