NEVER FORGOTTEN

DIANA PERRY, E. ROCHESTER

God and the soldier, all men adore In time of danger and not before When the danger is passed and all things righted, God is forgotten and the soldier slighted grandparents’ grave, and I placed it with the dirt on Uncle Al’s grave. Upon return to Bu alo, I took a teaspoon of dirt from his site and placed it on my grandparents’ grave. I felt I reunited the son with his parents. Little did I know my mission was not complete!

Etched on a sentry box wall in Gibraltar, this passage o en resounded in me as I thought of my brother’s unheralded return from Vietnam in the 60s. His surprise arrival late one night brought joy a er a very long eighteen months away. It also reminded me that my mother’s family still awaited closure on their son who was listed missing in action (MIA) in WWII, then o cially declared dead. e lack of a burial, a ceremony, a closure, lingered years later. My mom o en said that her brother’s death allowed her non-English speaking immigrant parents to a ord to buy a farm outside the Bu alo area. Little did she know that their escape from memories of their neighborhood home would keep the mystery of his death.

My rst generation American-born Uncle Aloysius was a dra ed member of the Armored Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division. He was ‘lost’ in a battle in Overloon, Holland in October 1944, ten months before his namesake, my brother, would be born. For a year, Uncle Al was listed MIA, and I as a sister and mother of returned vets, can only imagine the heartache my grieving grandmother felt for her lost son.

One year ago in January 2022, I answered a ‘spam risk’ call. A woman asked if I was the daughter of Eugenia, sister of Aloysius. In the moment of my brain freeze, she explained herself as a researcher for the Human Resource Commission, Post Con ict Repatriations. Her job was to research to “account for all who did not return” and “to include or exclude information.”

A er spending a generous time on the call with me, she explained the armed forces wanted to identify my uncle’s remains. “Many human pieces” are o en found, and if they can identify some pieces they can identify all the various remains by narrowing down the options. Would I give them my spit for a DNA test?! My initial reaction was again that this was a spam call or that someone wanted my DNA for a cold case le. She suggested I talk to my family, gave me several phone numbers to verify the Army program, and le me in a state of What?!

My brother called it a scam. My immediate family said, “Go with your heart; it’s your decision.” When the young lady called back, I was still unsure, but she o ered to send me my uncle’s complete le to consider. Within days, an envelope arrived containing almost 200 pages detailing the circumstances of my uncle’s death, the search the military did to nd relatives in 1946, again in 1978, and nally his internment with a full military funeral. I learned from the le everything from his shoe size to his dental cavities to the fact that his rosary beads were by his side when he died!

When ancestry research came to the computer y years later, I entered information with the hope of nding information about my grandparents, my only certainty being that they were from an area that spoke Polish. My youth was at a time when you did not express nationality other than being ‘American.’ You didn’t want anyone to think you were foreign!

We lived about twenty miles from my mom’s family, and since my parents didn’t drive, visiting my grandparents was like visiting a foreign country. ey didn’t speak English, children didn’t ask questions, and at that time, we just tried to be as American as we could. e arrival of displaced persons from European refugee camps was not something to associate with. Not surprisingly, I found nothing related to my maternal grandparents in my research.

But out of the ancestry search came an unexpected nd: a historian for the Armored Division saw my post and reached out to ask if I was related to Aloysius Gonsowski of Bu alo, NY, and from him I found where my uncle was buried – in Belgium. I promised my mom I would one day visit his gravesite.

My daughter works in Europe, and during visits to see her and vacation capitals, I nally got to Belgium to see the grave. I knew that he was interred at the Ardennes American Military Cemetery, and on a picturesque June day in 2017, my family stood in awe at the site’s magni cence. Like the US’ Arlington National Cemetery in DC, the grounds at Ardennes are an immaculate, serene tribute to those who gave everything. I had brought with me a teaspoon of dirt from my

Evidently, in 1978, a townsman looking in a well-known battle area for war relics came across a shallow grave with two skeletons and a set of dog tags, one engraved with my uncle’s name. Again, the military tried to nd relatives and when they were unsuccessful, Uncle Al was given a full military burial in Ardennes. e le included the pictures and write-up from the Stars and Stripes paper! An amazing, beautiful closure for a soldier never forgotten by the military. How could I not give my DNA? It will be kept in a database so that if body parts are found in the battle area, they can include/exclude possible servicemen. Uncle Al gave so much; how could I not?

I wish the technology had been available sooner so my grandparents, my mom, and her siblings, could have had the closure I received knowing all the circumstances of the death of this WWII tank hero, a young man adored by his family and never forgotten or slighted by his country.

OVERCOME YOUR PADDY’S DAY HANGOVER

Get to the gym. While it might seem impossible after a night spent overindulging in alcohol, some moderate exercise may help you feel better, at least mentally. Make sure you’re fully hydrated before hitting the gym so you’re less vulnerable to muscle cramps or injury, and drink water while exercising as well. Exercise releases neurochemicals and hormones, including endorphins, that can help boost your mood and provide some energy on a day when you might benefit from both of those things.

Penny Saver

IRISH SONGS TO ENHANCE ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

“Molly Malone:”This song has been an anthem for the people of Dublin since the late 19th century. It talks about a Dublin fishmonger, and The Dubliners’ take is a popular version.

MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR PADDY’S DAY PARTY

When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, cuisine, hosts should not overlook the importance of providing some staples that people have grown to expect on March 17. Corned beef and cabbage might not be the most authentic Irish meal, but it’s become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and therefore earned its place on your Paddy’s Day menu. Hosts can start the day off right by whipping up a pre-parade traditional Irish breakfast, complete with eggs, Irish bacon, white and black pudding, and brown bread.HostsneednotfeelbeholdentocuisineexclusivetoIrelandorthose that have become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, but making sure at least one such dish is available is guaranteed to please your guests.

Puzzle Answers This Week

Monday Only

Happy

A shout out to our local first responders

We were suddenly plunged into darkness last night when a car struck a utility pole at the north end of Bronson Hill Rd. in Avon. The first police officer arrived on the scene in what couldn’t have been more than 3 minutes. I counted four police cars and I don’t think ten minutes had gone by. The ambulance arrived shortly thereafter. The power company was there in less than 30 minutes and power was restored within an hour and a half. I hope all is well with the accident victims. I was amazed at how quickly the first responders were on the scene. Thanks to all involved. You really start to appreciate it when you’re sitting in the dark with no heat or electricity on a cold 30 degree night!

Thanks for helping our cat

Years ago, Anna, my daughter, went fishing. She heard loud meowing nearby. Anna found a small, gray kitten with funny, spiky hair. Anna brought the kitten home. Stryker got her name because she likes to stick out a paw and playfully strike people as they walk by. She has the heaviest, thickest fur coat I have ever seen. We are not sure if she is part Maine Coon, but she has a fur ruff around her neck, a bushy tail and thick fur like a bear. When Stryker went outside she would come back with ticks hidden in her thick fur. I tried to groom her myself but ended up taking her to the vet after I accidentally cut her. Beth at Lab’s Landing in Darien Center has been a lifesaver. We even discovered Stryker has gray stripes under all her baggy fur. Thanks Beth for making life so much easier.

To the wonderful people who helped me!

I want to say thank you to the three people who stopped on Route 63 yesterday to help me when I flipped my car over the guardrail in the snow storm. You stopped and helped me get out of my car and waited with me til 911 arrived. I really and truly appreciate your kind hearts to wait in the blistering cold with me. I am home and doing ok thanks to all of you and everyone who helped me. So thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Embarrassing parents

At a recent hockey game with 10yr. old players I was shocked by some parents’ behavior. First, the kids can’t hear you screaming constantly: helmets, hats, it’s noisy on the ice. Second, you are not the only parent who paid for gear, got up early on weekends and brought kids here, then help them get dressed. Third, your entire family should be embarrassed as you taught those kids to scream and complain if things don’t go your way. I did not go there to listen to you up in the top row screaming your opinion about refs, coaches and calling kids by name, telling them you know best! You are rude, sir.

Technically Handicapped

Not really a Rant, but there is a lot of computer help out there. Libraries offer free computer use and probably instruction. Also used and rebuilt are really cheap these days. I’m no wizz but over 70 and I get by with the tech stuff.

Technology Choice

This is in response to Technically Handicapped. I have an old-fashioned cell phone for use when I leave the house. I CHOOSE not to have a smart phone! I do have a computer, know how to use it, and think it belongs at home. I agree that there’s far too many businesses and medical

Elaine ompson

March 2, 2023

{Elaine} Origin: French. Meaning: “Shining Light”

Elaine passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023, at the age of 87. Her loving daughter, Jill, and her adored grandchildren, Jack and Jenna were with her.

She was born in White Plains,daughter of Howard and Harriet Jamison. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth (Ken) ompson and by her former husband, Earl Pratt.

Survived by her daughters, Karen (Bill) Adams, Susan Pratt, and Jill Pratt; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and her siblings, Eleanor Drain; Howard (Ellen) Jamison,and Patricia Jamison,as well as many friends, neighbors and her companion, Roy Pragle. Elaine was small in stature but she had a big personality and determination that could not be easily hindered.She will be remembered for her courage, strength and humor.

I invite you to privately celebrate Elaine’s memory in your own ways. I know she will be with us all in spirit.

“We understand death only after it has placed its hands on someone we love.” Madame de Stael

Understanding Life Insurance

When choosing coverage, you will no doubt be asked if you prefer term insurance or permanent insurance. Term insurance is the least expensive life insurance, and such policies only last for a predetermined number of years. Men and women may purchase life insurance policies if they only want life insurance until they retire or until their children reach adulthood. Permanent insurance is more expensive and will last from the moment you purchase the policy until your death. Many people choose permanent life insurance policies so the money their beneficiaries receive upon their death can be used to pay estate taxes. In addition, there is an investment component to permanent insurance policies, as a portion of the premiums on such policies is invested (policies will spell out how the money is invested) and allowed to grow tax-free so long as the policy is open. Term insurance only provides protection with no investments.

Champion Asphalt Maintenance is now accepting applications for employment for our season starting in April.

We are looking for:

ALL Positions Including Class B Drivers

for paving, sealcoating, striping & crack lling

Residential – Commercial – Municipal Pay scale will depend on experience. Please go to our website for a job application championasphaltny.com Go to “About Us” and click on “Employment” or give us a call at 315-589-7953.

GREAT PART-TIME JOBS FOR RETIREES

Crafts: Retirees with a love of crafting can turn their hobby into income. For example, Etsy.com makes it easy for creative entrepreneurs to post their creations and sell them to buyers all over the globe. Sellers often dictate how quickly they can make and ship products, so retirees need not feel worried about being rushed.