Thursday, September 28, 2006

For Brad Beste

On Aug 4, 2006 my daughter's high school classmate and a close family friend was kill in Iraq. Sgt. Brad Beste was serving his second tour in Iraq and received a Purple Heart during his first tour. Just 8 month's prior, this young 22yr. old soldier had Christmas dinner with my family. He was in the process deciding whether or not to return to Iraq for a second tour. In the end, Brad's commitment to his country and the loyalty he felt to his fellow soldiers won him over and he returned to Iraq.

I will proudly wear this bracelet to honor Sgt. Brad Beste. Brad's smile, sense of humor, and true friendship will be missed, but nothing will overshadow the ultimate sacrifice that he and many other soldiers have made so that all Americans can continue to enjoy the freedom that symbolizes the United States of America. Thank you, and God Bless you, Sgt. Bradley H. Beste.

Richard

Remembering 9/11

The bracelet reminds me of the POW bracelet I wore when I was a teenager and I regret ever taking off.

I found your site when researching information about the FDNY. I teach a week long unit about 9/11/01 with my history classes and was looking for information about the firefighters lost on that tragic day.

9/11/01 changed our country and is a historical event that occurred within the lifetime of my students. It allows me to begin my teaching year with a historical reference that my students can discuss with their families and helps me spark an interest in history. The events of 9/11/01 also illuminates the importance for citizens to understand the policies of our government and the relationships we have with other countries.

I am thankful to have a constant reminder of the heroics of our countries' firefighters and hope that my wearing this bracelet prompts many discussions about the events of 9/11/01.

Thank you.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Never Forget

I wear a bracelet for SSG James A. Champion, USA Ranger, April 24,1971 from the Vietnam war. My father served in Vietnam and that is how I became interested in the subject. My 11 year old daughter saw the bracelets and wanted one so that she will never forget what happened on that day (9-11). I always tell her that history will repeat itself if we do not educate others. She and I think that every person on that flight were heroes and should be remembered. We will wear the bracelets with honor and will never take them off.

For Fire Chief Ganci

My husband is a fire chief and has been in the fire service for over 35 years. We both have very strong emotions when it comes to the attacks on 9-11. We recently attended the International Fire Chiefs Association annual conference, and they had a very impressive memorial service honoring those lost on 9/11/01. The memorial service had representatives from each of the locations attacked, the Pentagon, Flight 93/Shanksville, and the World Trade Center. FDNY was represented by members of Chief Ganci’s family, his wife, two sons, and their spouses. Chief Ganci’s son, Chris, spoke and it was an honor to listen to the obvious pride and love he has for his father, and the New York Fire Department. He changed career paths after 9-11, joining his brother in the fire service. Our bracelets bear Chief Ganci’s name, so although I ordered them too late to have them for the conference, it has given an additional importance to the bracelets having heard his son in person. We also have children involved in public safety, two firefighters, one police officer, and one 911 dispatcher, so again felt a special attachment to a family involved in public service and safety.


Randi

Saturday, September 23, 2006

For My Childhood Friend

I ordered my bracelet in memory of a long time childhood friend. We just recently reconnected a month and a half before his death. We were friends that had lost touch for about 8-9 years. He found me on myspace and promised me that everything would be OK and that he was fine in Afghanistan. He said he would be home late August/early September. He came home in July in a casket. He was a Green Beret Sniper for the US Army and I am so very proud of him and I do miss talking to him dearly. When we were younger I never would have dreamed that is how he would have gone. I thank my lucky stars that he found me when he did, I look at it as a sign. There was a reason he found me when he did and now I know why.

Thank You

Jerri

Thursday, September 21, 2006

High School Graduates Serving Our Country

As a high school librarian I've made it a mission to find as many of our school's graduates that are serving in the military no matter what branch of service. I started right after 9/11. I currently have 75 names. Since 9/11 several have been discharged but many have remained in service because they want to protect our country. Yesterday one of our newest Marines came to see me to make sure I knew he'd completed basics.

I bought the bracelet to remind people that the terrorists haven't gone away. We need to remember and be ever vigilant or our freedoms and our country will suffer yet another attack. These extremists want us gone from the face of the earth. The people who died at all three sites on that day in September deserve their individual memorials. Each of them made a sacrifice and their deaths should be a wake up call for all of us. I will wear Michael Horrocks bracelet with pride and remembrance. May his death not be in vain. He is an American Hero. God Bless

Carla

For POWs

I ordered a bracelet because one of my teachers in high school had one that he wore for the Vietnam War. His was also for a P.O.W. and I remember asking him about it. One day when I saw he was no longer wearing it. He explained to me that the young man's body had be found and returned to his family in the states. That really touched me deeply how he had worn that bracelet for over 20 years till that boy was returned back to his family. Now with the war in the middle east going on. I figured it waws time for my generation to take a stand and make sure these new soliders are not forgoten. That is why I plan on wearing my bracelet for SGT Keith M. Maupin until I hear about his return home.

Paul

Thursday, September 14, 2006

For Tiki Dan

Tiki Dan was a really good friend of mine and I miss him. He died while attempting to disarm an improvised explosive device when deployed to Iraq. I am grateful that I will now be able to carry him with me while I continue with the same duty that ended Tiki Dan's life. I wish that I wasn't buying a bracelet with my friend's name on it- signifying his passing. Tiki Dan was and is a true American Hero.

Thank you

Layne
Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

For Father Mychal Judge

My mother and I have been involved in our local fire company's ladies auxiliary, and we are strong Catholics. I was very touched by the saintly life that Fr. Mychal Judge led, as well as his wonderful priesthood all the way up to the very end.

Joanne

Friday, September 01, 2006

For Suzanne Calley

I am a diver and frequently dive in Monterey. Suzanne Calley was also a diver. She was killed on flight 77 that hit the pentagon. A bench has been dedicated at a very popular dive site in her honor. Her bubbly personality and enthusiasm was contagious. Suzanne was a terrific person and with the upcoming anniversary of our losing her, I feel compelled to comment. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families and friends, who lost someone on that very tragic day. I am praying extra special due to the anniversary. I am a volunteer Chaplain with the Campbell Police Department here in the Bay Area of California. Being in law enforcement only reminds me of the great loss of life and how a handful of people changed America forever. May we never forget that fateful day and God Bless America.

Tracy