Current Information Provided on the Premier Essex Heritage Event that has become such a well attended event each fall.
Eastern Bank: A Presenting Sponsor of TRAILS & SAILS
Eastern Bank is a long term partner of hundreds of local organizations that improve the quality of life within communities across Eastern Massachusetts. On average, 10% of Eastern's net income is donated to charitable endeavors each year. Eastern has partnered with Essex Heritage since the very beginning of our Heritage Area and this year serves as a presenting sponsor for TRAILS & SAILS: Two Weekends of Walks and Water, celebrating 10 years. Essex Heritage works tirelessly to coordinate these two weekends of free events to showcase the best of the heritage area - a great example of how Essex Heritage promotes the quality of life across many communities. Read more.
TRAILS & SAILS Event Listing is LIVE!
As you know, this September 16-18 & 23-25 Essex County is celebrating the 10th anniversary of TRAILS & SAILS: Two Weekends of Walks & Water. Thanks to new and returning site hosts, over 150 events have been scheduled. Essex Heritage is pleased to announce that our 10th anniversary year TRAILS & SAILS event listing is now LIVE, online! Log in to take advantage of all online features; search events, plan your weekends and print your Passport to Trails
TRAILS AND Sails MOBILE APPLICATION Now AVAILABLE FOR Smart Phones
Like last year, you can access the mobile version of the TRAILS & SAILS website from your smart phone. The mobile site allows on-the-go participants easy access to up-to-the minute event information and google map directions. For more information visit www.trailsandsails.org.
Forum on Proposed Wind Turbine at Winter Island in Salem
The City of Salem held a recent public hearing that generated a substantial amount of interest both for and against the issue being debated. It certainly seems to be wise to consider such opportunities in these times when environmental concerns for both individuals and communities are in the news and worthy of consideration. From the action at the hearing, both the proponents and opponents will have to generate more information to support their positions at subsequent hearing that will be scheduled in the future.
Another “Green” Project Planned in Beverly
I am not sure of the timetable for a major solar installation planned at the historic former United Shoe Machinery facility on McKay Street in Beverly, but the roofs of the Cummings Center that now houses hundreds of businesses, professionals and medical operations important to the Garden City and the entire region will soon be covered with one of largest new solar installations anywhere in Essex County. The current owners of the properties are most environmentally conscious and see the solar installation as an equally positive economic decision.
Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox to Visit Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem
Through the generosity of the Management of the Salem Five, that has had a long time relationship and that has provided both advice and financial support to the Salem club whose mission is focused on creating a safe haven and an environment where the young men and women of Salem can learn, prosper and grow, has made another wonderful gesture to the downtown club The 160 year old Mutual Savings Bank has used the Red Sox star second baseman as a spokesman for a youth savings program at the bank, and has now offered a Pedroia appearance at the club as both a wonderful personal experience for the club membership and as a fundraising opportunity. As plans are developed about an event featuring the young sox star, we will certainly provide that information on this medium as well in other places. Pedroia who followed up an American League Rookie of the Year Award with an Most Valuable Player award and was the American league Player of the month for July will be an inspirational visitor to the club as his work ethic, hustle and perseverance are the skills that are being taught to members each day at the club.
Military Commemorative Coin Presented
From time to time, I intend to use this vehicle to provide interesting information even when it does not pertain to the preservation efforts in this region. Earlier this week, I received a visit from an old friend who was back in this region, where she was born and brought up for a Beverly High School reunion. Lt. Colonel Joanne Rose Ruggeri, USAF, NC is the sister of a dear friend of ours, Marie Norris. We have followed Joanne’s military career as a senior nurse and have always been proud of her service to our country. She had not been back in this region since my illness and wanted to visit to see how we were progressing from a health prospective. Joanne was last in this region after a assignment that took her to a base in Gardez, Afghanistan, about 50 miles from the Pakistan border for a one year assignment where she helped teach natives about health care issues. After returning to this country she was assigned as the commander of the medical unit at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She has since been transferred to the 90th medical operations group at Grand Forks Air Force base in North Dakota.
As she was leaving, Joanne presented me with a coin that she had created to celebrate her command. The history of military coins is interesting and she asked if I knew of the history. Since I did not, I looked up the history on the Internet and the results made me even prouder to have received the coin. We even exchanged salutes that is traditional, and that was the first time I had rendered a salute in a half century. The history of military coins follows, and I hope that it both educates and entertains you.
The tradition of the military coin is one of considerable question. Most people will give the credit to the United States Army Air Service which is another name for what is now the United States Air Force.
Although most non-military do not know the story of the military coin, the men and women who serve in the military, whether it in the field, on board a ship or flying through the skies in a military aircraft know the story very well.
These coins represent the heart and soul of the military. They are a token of not only the achievements they have accomplished but the ones of soldiers who served their country many years ago. The pride of being a part of the effort to keep their country free is reflected by this coin they carry.
The coins are normally embellished with a brightly colored design which is a tribute to the particular unit in which the soldier has served. When they are received from a superior officer the military coins are especially treasured. The meaning behind these coins is one that eludes explanation. You either know why they are carried or you do not.
One story goes that a rich Ivy Leaguer who joined as an air squadron pilot during World War I had bronze coins made with the insignia of the squadron in which he was a lieutenant. He gave them to the other pilots as a way to remember their time spent together in the military. They were rumored to have been quite expensive.
A pilot from the squadron receiving the coins put his in a small pouch that he wore around his neck for safekeeping. When his plane was so damaged during an air attack that he had to set it down behind enemy lines, he was captured. Managing to escape he made it to France, where he was in danger of being shot as a spy. He did not have his I.D. and no way to prove who he was. By showing the coin, he was easily identified as an American soldier.
Although this is anybody's guess as to the truth of the story, it may well have happened just that way. One thing is for certain. The military challenge coin is a symbol of something far larger than ourselves. This is the recognized object that sets apart the brave men and women who sacrifice and give their all to the country in which they were born in order to keep it free.
The special meaning the military coin will carry for all time is one of camaraderie for the soldiers as they make their way through an unfamiliar land to bring America the freedom she is based on and will continue to be based on. Although they may be made from nickel, brass, or bronze the representation of the coin is one that is never denied. It is the symbol of brotherhood in the true sense of the word.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1433754
Terrible loss of American forces In Afghanistan early this past Weekend
Nearly two dozen American special forces members were killed when a helicopter was brought down by enemy fire. The brave Americans were on the way to assist other forces that were pinned down in a fire fight. This is one of the worst loss of life since this war began. May the brave departed Heroes rest in peace.
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