Friday, July 28, 2006



Today would have been the 76th birthday of a true lady, a woman of class, dignity and charm. That lady of course was Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis. She died tragically of lymphonic cancer at the very young age of sixty-two-- the very age my own mother died. I can remember how impressed I was whenever I saw her on television or in footage with President Kennedy. I remember best when she gave the tour of the White House to the three television networks at once. How proud she was of our heritage and what she could to preserve that heritage. Forget the lavish parties that she heled, Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis added a dignity to the political world of the presidency of the United States like none other for one thousand days starting On January 20th, 1961 and ending tragically on November 22nd, 1963. I can still see that stoic tragic look as she stood by Lyndon Johnson as he took the oath of office to become the new president. The Kennedy family has had many blessings, but the tragedies that this same family has endured is perhaps the saddest of all. Only sister Caroline remains. So if there is any one way to define the word "lady" -- this woman's name is almost synonymous with that word. God Keep you, dear lady! Today also is a day of great history. For on this day in 1914, World War I began when Austria-Hungary (then one nation) declared war on Serbia following the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand and his wife. Never before had a war started over an assassination of a world leader. Other countries quickly followed. It was fortunate that America did not become involved in this war until three years later in 1917. Now of course we have another war in the Mid-East and once again peace and harmony are in great danger. Now man justifies wars with the name of God in the same sentence. How much closer are we to the end of man? On a happier note, today is the day that the world of Broadway first heard a Richard Rodgers melody and a Lorenz Hart lyric. The year was 1920. The show was called "Poor Little Ritz Girl" (which made me chuckle because I now work for Ritz Camera) and featured some classic songs now long forgotten including "Love Will Call", "You Can't Fool Your Dreams", "All you Need To Be A Star" and what must be a classic only appreciated by a 1920 audience was "Love's Intense In Tents" The show only ran for 93 performances which would be abysmal by today's standards. The day here is forecast to be much cooler-- if you call 85 degrees cooler. Tomorrow is the 1st birthday of my grand niece Christina Grace Dillon and I will be attending her birthday party in a park party. It's been a long time since I have seen my sister Lorie and that side of the family. Well until next time, have a great day!

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