On December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers and fighters destroyed 21 American battleships stationed on Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor and killed over 2,000 soldiers. Yesterday marked the 65th anniversary of this tragedy. The memory of what happened still haunts us today. It should be a glaring reminder to us that our actions set the stage for world events, no matter how small, and that we are never invulnerable. I dedicate this blog to all of the veterans that continue to fight for liberty and against tyranny.
Archive for the ‘Memorial’ Category
Remembering Pearl Harbor
Friday, December 8th, 2006Lands’ End founder Gary Comer dies
Thursday, October 5th, 2006It wasn’t just another clothing seller; it was a new way of doing business. Gary Comer, Lands’ End founder, built his business on the idea of developing a relationship with his customers. Lands’ End did not achieve its excellence only by the quality of its casual and professional clothing, but also for its excellent customer service. He once stated, “We believe that what is best for our customer is best for all of us.”
Working for Lands’ End as a part-time service associate, I am sad to see Comer’s passing. He was a true pioneer in both developing a better product and developing better service. His achievements should not be overlooked, and his spirit should continue to live on within the Lands’ End product. Anything short of excellent quality and customer service is an insult to his name and to the brand.
Milwaukee loses great leader
Thursday, July 20th, 2006Former Milwaukee Mayor Frank Zeidler died on Friday, July 7, at the age of 93. He was a principled mayor that served from 1948 to 1960. He lived by his principles until his final moments, and he will always be remembered for his generosity.
I had the honor of meeting Frank Zeidler when I was still in school. He came and spoke to one of my classes. Even at the age of 87, he was sharp and insightful, and he offered so many important lessons, such as taking care of those that need it, speaking out against war (this was before 9/11, mind you), and smart urban growth. It was truly remarkable to learn from one of Milwaukee’s greatest leaders.
Rest in peace Lola Eugenia
Thursday, January 19th, 2006June 9, 1916 – January 9, 2006
My last surviving grandparent, Eugenia Santillana, passed away on Monday, January 9. Unlike my other grandparents, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with her. She moved to the US from her native Philippines in 1980 and helped raise my sister and me for five years. After visiting California and returning to the Philippines for a brief period, she returned for a little while before moving permanently to California. The last few years of her life were difficult as she continued to suffer from a list of medical problems. She was admitted to a nursing home in 2005 and put on life support. By Monday, life support could no longer keep her going.
I have many fond memories of my grandmother. When she first came to live with my family, she already had some health problems. But that never made her stop smiling. She traveled with my family, always found time to do some exercising (even if she had to sit), managed to always cook, and sat outside to soak up some fresh air. But her accomplishments go further. I also learned that she survived the Japanese invasion during World War II, my grandfather’s untimely death in 1978, one daughter’s death at an early age, and a dictatorial president (Marcos) for many decades. She managed to bring many of her children to the US, and she saw many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
As I helped lay her to rest, I couldn’t help but notice that she was beloved by so many people. It was really sad to watch her casket lowered into the ground, but many of us also realize that her suffering was finally over. I am glad that I was able to see her and pay my final respects.
I admit that this blog is long overdue, but I dedicate it to my grandmother, her family, her friends, and everyone whose lives she touched. May she rest eternally in peace.
Remembering John Lennon
Thursday, December 8th, 2005Twenty-five years ago today, former Beatles singer/guitarist/songwriter John Lennon was shot outside of his New York home. Of all the things for a seven-year old to notice, I happened to remember watching this on the news the following morning and just somehow knowing that the world suffered a great loss. Lennon’s rhythm guitar style with the Beatles inspired me to start playing the guitar when I was a teen, but he was more to me than musical inspiration. He peacefully fought for what he believed in, voiced his opinions and stuck it to the man, and yet always managed to sneak in some folly with the English language. Although greatly remembered as one of the Beatles, he also asked us to imagine a world free from want and hate. Today, I dedicate this blog to John Lennon, his family, his friends, and his fans.
Glen Loyd receives recognition
Friday, September 16th, 2005Glen Loyd, the “Action Man†from the Green Bay area and now consumer protection spokesman for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame in June. He was honored by his coworkers and peers yesterday during an assembly at the DATCP state office building in Madison. Division of Trade and Consumer Protection (TCP) Administrator Janet Jenkins, TCP Manager Jim Rabbitt, and DATCP Secretary Rod Nilsestuen each gave Glen tokens of their gratitude for the work that he’s done for Wisconsin’s consumers. A short video also showed how active he was during his broadcasting career and how he took seven corporations that were the worst environmental polluters in the Green Bay area to court and won. He never gained anything personally from the suit, but he forced the companies to stop polluting; according to Glen, “the air in Green Bay smells better now.â€
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Glen on the DATCP web site redesign. He recognized the importance of making consumer protection information visible on the site because it received the most hits. In light of the recent gas price increases, he was right. On a more personal note, Glen is one of the nicest guys in the agency. He always has a skip in his step and a smile on his face, and he always says hello (at least he says hello to me when I see him). And I don’t think he has any desire to slow down anytime soon, especially at the age of 65. I can only hope to have his energy, drive, and dedication for as long as he has had it.
Chief Justice Rehnquist dies
Sunday, September 4th, 2005Wisconsin native William H. Rehnquist died last night at the age of 80. During his tenure on the US Supreme Court, he served and presided over a remarkable amount of decisions that shaped both the legal and social landscapes in the United States. Like the true Wisconsinite that he was (he was born in Milwaukee and raised in Shorewood, Wisconsin), Rehnquist worked his way up the ranks to become the Chief Justice, and he continued to serve despite the announcement that he was fighting thyroid cancer earlier this year. He stated that he would continue to serve into the next session as long as his health permitted… I think this qualifies. He maintained a high standard of ethics and dignity during a time of significant change, and continued to uphold the Constitution in the most honorable fashion possible. Today’s blog is dedicated to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, to his family and friends, and to the US Supreme Court.