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Allow me to share with you a day like today that makes me count my blessings. While I count them every day, this one was exceptional.
I started the day in the midst of a sparkling, crisp morning on New York's Fifth Avenue. The Veterans Day Parade. I soaked in the passing bands and floats, the old cars...and the proud veterans. Miles of men and women who have served. Cadets from West Point. A beautiful, patriotic, proud day. My job today was to call attention to four Medal of Honor Recipients who were there—four out of the 87 alive today. I was able to see and exchange personal insults and wisecracks with my buddy Bruce Crandall, who was played by Greg Kinnear in "We Were Soldiers" and who, as usual, wore his beautiful Cavalry hat. I love the man, and I love them all. Bud Bucha was there, as was Gary Beikirch and Nick Oresko. I was trying to figure out what it must be like for Nick--on stage, reviewing the parade, looking at this beautiful City on a beautiful day, knowing the medal around his neck was awarded to him after killing 12 Germans in a war long ago and far away. It all seemed rather distant and cloudy on this clear day.
I went from there to studio 8H, where I entered quietly, sat down 10 feet from the edge of the stage, and watched Arcade Fire rehearse for SNL. It was among my best-ever musical experiences, as was talking with Win Butler and his wife (and collaborator) Regine afterwards. I went from there...to our editorial meeting. There was, shall we say, a palpable difference in energy between the two events.
I hope you can join us tonight.
Leave a Comment:
Everyone should appreciate Veterans Day. I wish I could have attended that glorious parade. All Medal of Honor recipients must be rembered for their extreme bravery in perilous conditions. We need to remember our veterans every single day for the sacrifices they make to ensure our safety from tyrrany and those who want to destroy our way of life. I'll catch you on tonight's broadcast.
Brian:
Today being Veterans Day, reminded of a certain incident that I recall from the mid 60’s, my mom and I were in a now defunct, popular Department store here in the city, back when the holidays used to celebrated on the actual day, not on Monday. When the time reached 11am they played “Taps” throughout the store, so of course being a kid I asked my mom. “why are they playing that song and why is that lady crying”? So of course she explained the 11th month, day and hour, and said the women probably lost a loved one in the war.
BTW, regarding your mentioning that Gene Shalit is retiring, I've been working in the Rock Center area since 1978. I've just about seen everyone from the National and Local newsrooms of NBC, used to see Gene quite a few times walking around the underground concourse. There's just one person, for some reason I've never run into as of yet . . . where the heck are you hiding Brian ! I still have faith, one day it will happen . . !
Brian, great story on the homecoming of the U.S. soldier to his family, well done!!
Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcast this evening as always! What a wonerful way to spend Veterans Day with Medal of Honor Recipients and the Veterans Day Parade in New York City. True heroes who served their country so bravely and I'm sure it was quite and honor to be with them today. We need to honor all our Veterans today on Veterans Day and every day. They serve our country with bravery and dedication. We Salute All of Our Veterans! God Bless All Our Soldiers!
Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Mr.Cowan about President Obama's overseas trip and the G-20 Summit. Unfortunately, there was some disappointment for the President in trying to get a Free Trade Agreement due to some problems with China and Russia. The countries keeping their currency low is not helping along with other factors which caused it to fail. One hopes in the near future something can be worked out between the nations. Time will tell.
The report by Mr.Almaguer about the Carnival Cruise Ship Splendor which was towed back to a port in San Diego revealed some interesting experiences from the passengers. Being stranded out at sea for three days the because of a fire on the ship the people aboard certainly endured some uncomfortable experiences such as no power, hot food and no restrooms working properly. Hearing from different passengers there was mixed reactions to the situation although many seemed very postive and made the best of it. But must be really great to be back on dry land for all of them. Good to know they are all safe and sound now.
The report of a power struggle within the Iraqi Government is terrible considering the fragile state of the country. Richard told of much tension with Maliki staying on in power. One hopes there will be no civil war breaking out in the region.
Please Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Looking forward to your reports!
Verry moving to see the three little boys watching their fatherwho is in serving in Afghanistan on video speaking to them only to come into the room. It was so very heartwarming to see a soldier be reunited with his family. Truly Special!
The "Making A Difference" segment by Mr.Tibbles about the "Guitars for Veterans" program was very nice. Helping veterans heal through music is so wonderful and they all are enjoying being together. They have such comaraderie along with the achievement of learning to play. All helping eachother to learn and heal. What a great program!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Happy Veterans Day! Peace to You and to All!
Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Looking forward to your reports soon!
Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!
XOXO
Lisa
As a retired veteran now on Social Security I believe we the veterans and elderly have sacrificed quite enough. We have bailed out the banks and the Wall Streeters. Isn't it time for them to sacrifice a little too! Couldn't we have a small transaction fee on all Wall Street transactions, which would serve a twofold purpose. One, it could reduce the evident computer manipulation of the markets - commodities included; and Two it would raise a hell of a lot of money ( Almost four billion shares traded daily) and other non-share transactions by the hedge funds etc. could have a small fee included. I'm sure these wealthy insiders (Now probably not going to pay anymore tax because of the Republican House takeover) should be willing to help the Middle Class. The money gathered would not hurt one poor person and a little less in their pockets would serve as an incentive to work harder for themselves and our country! These imaginative people will certainly find ways to augment their already outlandish salaries and commissions! Of all the recommendations given to balance the budget - none will really affect the "Upper Class" adversely. It's us at the bottom of the totem pole that hurt every time the politicians think of ways to raise more money. I feel I deserve decent Healthcare at a Reasonable Price. We shouldn't have to worry about losing everything when our bodies start to fail us. Most of us are one illness away from poverty!!
Dexter Filkins ALERT for his fans who are numerous on this blog! He is scheduled to be on the Charlie Rose show on PBS tonight to discuss Afghanistan.
Take care all-
Celine
Brian, Largest deployment of Kentucky National Guard troops since WW 2 scheduled to Iraq:
Operation New Dawn.
Many friends in the age group of my husband and me have downsized to Condos and I am not
ready for it, selling China and Silver. I'll stay put. I am downsizing, however in small ways:
No new contacts which I do need, no visits to the beauty salon, cutting down on visits to doctors
and our dentist, not blowing money on stuff I love, keeping my Grand Prix and not buy another a
newer car which is okay because I would not have a new one if it was given to me, that's how
much I like the car, selling jewelry for pin money but still buying books which takes the sting out
of this lousy economy. Phyllis
Phyllis, I just heard about that scheduled deployment on my local news. They're based about 25 minutes from where I live.
We took the time to honor our troops as I put the flags on grave sites, made those famous emails to Afghanistan/Iraq/Germany/Korea and visited a Veterians hospital. Many Americans took this day to remember I remember everyday to do something for a vets and email a message of support. Our troops are still in conflict and we should honor them everyday not just on a holiday. Peaches and I did what we do every Veterians day and that is to toss a red rose in the ocean for a soldier who took my heart. Peaches is on the East Coast and me on the West as we used our cells to make sure we did the prayer at the same time. A young soldier name Kyle Gilbert of Brattleboro Vermont was killed in Aug. 2003. His last letter to his parents was that he didn't want to be forgotten. I read his story in our news paper and cried. I cut out the picture of Kyle and placed it with all my kids pictures. As people visit and look at the old/new pictures of Pumkin, Wiggie, Preppie and Peaches it's always asked who Kyle is and I get a chance to add another person to remember this brave young man. To my friends on the blog and to the NBC Staff please say a special prayer of thanks to my friend and hero Kyle Gilbert.
Have a great day all
On Wednesday's broadcast, just minutes after a story about the deficiencies of the American educational system, an on-screen graphic identified Margaret Hamburg as the "FDA Comissioner" (the correct spelling is "commissioner"). Does anybody else see the irony in this?
Nope, but I did not get the irony in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice which is one of my favorite
novels.