SILENZIO (SILENCE)

About six miles from Maastricht, in the Netherlands, lie buried 8,301 American soldiers who died in “Operation Market Garden” in the battles to liberate Holland in the fall and winter of 1944.
Every one of the men buried in the cemetery, as well as those in the Canadian and British military cemeteries, has been adopted by a Dutch family who mind the grave, decorate it, and keep alive the memory of the soldier they have adopted. It is even the custom to keep a portrait of “their” American soldier in a place of honor in their home. Annually, on “Liberation Day,” memorial services are held for “the men who died to liberate Holland.” The day concludes with a concert. The final piece is always “Il Silenzio,” a memorial piece commissioned by the Dutch and first played in 1965 on the 20th anniversary of Holland’s liberation. It has been the concluding piece of the memorial concert ever since.

The year is 2014 the soloist is a 13-year-old Dutch girl, Melissa Venema, backed by André Rieu and his orchestra (the Royal Orchestra of the Netherlands). This beautiful concert piece is based upon the original version of taps and was composed by Italian composer Nino Rossi.

http://www.flixxy.com/trumpet-solo-melissa-venema.htm

After you watch the above website, check this out.

In alphabetical order:

1. The American Cemetery at Aisne-Marne, France… A total of 2289

2. The American Cemetery at Ardennes, Belgium… A total of 5329

3. The American Cemetery at Brittany, France… A total of 4410

4. Brookwood, England – American Cemetery… A total of 468

5. Cambridge, England… A total of 3812

6. Epinal, France – American Cemetery… A total of 5525

7. Flanders Field, Belgium.. A total of 368

8. Florence, Italy… A total of 4402

9. Henri-Chapelle, Belgium… A total of 7992

10. Lorraine , France… A total of 10,489

11. Luxembourg, Luxembourg… A total of 5076

12. Meuse-Argonne… A total of 14246

13. Netherlands, Netherlands… A total of 8301
14. Normandy, France… A total of 9387
15. Oise-Aisne, France… A total of 601216. Rhone, France.. A total of 8611
7. Sicily, Italy… A total of 7861
18. Somme, France… A total of 1844
19. St. Mihiel, France… A total of 4153
20. Suresnes, France.. A total of 1541Be mindful of our sacrifice for over 200 years. What other country does this to keep freedom alive?

The count is 104,366 dead, brave Americans.THANK YOU TO ALL OUR AMERICAN SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN STILL SERVING THROUGHOUT THE WORLD!

SCOTTY HEADER

Leroy,

Here’s what I’d like to run re: Luca

Even though I live in Monterey and never really worked much around Luca, I’m making the trek to Vegas for his send off on 6/29. I’m wondering if you might be able to help me facilitate finding out who else plans to attend so we can meet up and trade the best tales about Luca.  C’mon—the man was legendary and I want to soak up all the stories people are willing to share—especially the ones the family will never hear about. If you’re planning on going to the big event and are interested in some kind of meet up, please feel free to hit me up using whatever communication you tech-savvy kids use today. My phone is (831) 242-0856 and my email is scottcornfield@gmail.com

Despite the fact that a previous SJPD Facebook page caused some issues, I guess I’m a glutton for punishment because I just started another one. It’s called Mission Street Alums.     The only caveat will be that it will be devoid of any politics—no hero-worshipping or flame-throwing at ANY political side. I know—sounds like an impossibility that might only lead to frustration, but I really would love to see a replacement for the old one that disappeared when stuff on it became evidence people could use for disciplinary or even criminal action. Not gonna happen here. This one will be a fun page designed to facilitate staying in touch or making long-lost connections. That’s it.

Right now it will only be open to SJPD alums. I don’t think that’ll ever change, and if it does, I’d certainly take the pulse of the members before doing it. It is a PRIVATE page, not visible to anyone who hasn’t been approved for membership. I’m still tweaking it so if you join (or try joining) please be patient as I work out the bugs. If you want to join, please email me at scottcornfield@gmail.com and I’ll send you a direct invite from FB. 

Thanks,

Scott Cornfield