OPINION/LETTERS: Remembering a Newport man's death in World War II this Memorial Day
Remembering a Newport man's death in World War II this Memorial Day
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a national holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving within the United States Armed Services.
My late father and three uncles served in the United States Army during World War II, all a part of America’s greatest generation. My youngest uncle, Alfred Steward Barclay, lived a typical life of a young Newporter of that era. He attended Sheffield School, John Clarke, Rogers High School, and was a member of the choir at Trinity Church. He was also a city youth tennis champ. After graduating high school, he became a member of the famed Tuskegee Army Air Corp.
The Tuskegee Airmen, as they were popularly known, were trained at the Keesler Airfield in Biloxi, Mississippi. I still own his letters to his mother back in Newport describing what life was like for a young Northern man of color who was preparing to fight and possibly die for his country while facing racial discrimination and segregation. More than 7,000 African heritage soldiers were stationed there. These soldiers included pre-aviation cadets, radio operators, aviation technicians, bombardiers and aviation mechanics.
My uncle Alfred was killed in service to his country in February 1945 in a plane crash after receiving his flying wings and only one month after his 21st birthday. His remains were returned to Newport and provided a full military funeral at our family plot within the historic God’s Little Acre section of the Common Burying Ground. He is at rest alongside fellow African heritage men who served their city, state and country dating back to the American Revolution.
These American patriots willingly served, fought, and in some cases, would die for a country they loved during a time when their country did not always fully recognize their value as equal citizens.
Every Memorial Day, as I visit the final resting place of my uncle, I am reminded that at the time of his tragic death, his fellow service members presented to my grandmother a plaque that we still have and cherish etched with the inscription: “May his spirit soar forever on the wings that he gave his all to earn.” May the spirits soar forever to all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
Keith Stokes, Newport
Remembering an original Newport preservationist
Last week my friend and colleague Robert Foley died in Maine. Bob was a long-time resident of Newport, and many people knew him for his marine photography, a business in which he was engaged for many decades. I knew Bob as a preservationist and Newport’s historic architecture and preservation history owe him a debt of gratitude that is almost 60 years long.
He came to Newport in 1964, lured by the historic Peter Simon House, which he restored, and still stands on Bridge Street today. As a friend of the Benson family, Bob quickly became a part of Operation Clapboard, which was the first serious historic preservation effort in Newport. As part of the “dirty fingernails” crowd of preservationists, the vast quantity of the city’s historic homes owes their continued existence to “Clapboard” as it was familiarly known.
Grassroots in origin, that organization saved over 40 houses from the 18th century, primarily on the Point, and started to turn the tide against the age and decay that was rapidly claiming the city’s early architectural heritage. Bob was not only a participant in Clapboard but served briefly as its president.
Clapboard certainly inspired Doris Duke to believe that a larger effort could succeed and she founded the NRF. Bob was an early employee of that organization as well, using his photography skills as almost the sole documentation of conditions and repairs to over 80 structures that make up that notable preservation project. His photos, numbering roughly 25,000 still form a vital archive for that organization.
Later on, in 1999, it was my privilege to hire Bob as the full-time director of preservation for the NRF, a position he relished and took on with great gusto. Not only did he revamp the often inappropriate early color schemes of many NRF houses, thus having a direct effect on what we see as we drive the streets of the historic city, but he and I undertook many projects at Rough Point, out on Bellevue Avenue.
There are not many preservationists of that ilk left in Rhode Island, and I miss Bob. I miss his gentle demeanor, his unerring preservation sense, and his delight in the architecture of the past. Give him a thought as you look at the old houses of Newport; his legacy and that of his early colleagues is scattered everywhere for all of us to see, to learn from, and to take pleasure in.
Pieter Nicholson Roos, executive director The Mark Twain House & Museum (and former Executive Director of NRF)
Take it from a former restaurant owner, Broadway outdoor dining plan is wrong
The city leadership should do a bit more homework, before we turn over taxpayers property to seven businesses on Broadway. For Six months, seven days a week “Al Fresco dining on Broadway.” I like it, but let us set guidelines that work, and are fair for all.
First, close Broadway to vehicular traffic, you won’t need Jersey barriers, from Gould to Freebody, on Friday and Saturday. A trip to Atwells Avenue to experience “Al Fresco Dining on The Hill” would be an education for everyone involved, leadership as well as proprietors.
Let’s make Broadway a tasteful inviting venue, not like a carnival. Where tables, chairs and barriers can be easily moved on and off, or in and out. A handful of businesspeople can’t camp out for six months on the new pavers on Broadway, that's just not right.
Newport dining: Seasonal outdoor dining permit approved for Broadway restaurants
I have been involved in the food business in the past, three successful restaurants, two on Broadway. Never had this opportunity. This is not a level playing field. Once approved, you have set a precedent. I understand the reasoning, but more tasteful, more controlled, would make it a more inviting venue.
Ron Grandchamp, Newport
Regionalization could clean up Middletown school operations
The Middletown Town Council’s unanimous decision to explore school regionalization with Newport follows their recent no confidence vote in the superintendent and initiation of an investigation into the school department’s financial and special education operations.
Regionalization can lower the cost of new school construction and provide better outcomes for students. Middletown schools’ poor academic performance (only 22% meet expectations in RICAS mathematics), failed fiscal accountability ($1.2M deficit), and past blunders harm students and taxpayers, and they have stained the town’s image.
These council actions can result in public debates which will hopefully identify fixes for school management and operations, and clean up the town’s image.
Newport-Middletown regionalization: 'I have a lot of concerns': Newport, Middletown councils take separate unification votes
Paul Mankofsky, Middletown
Gathering for Ukraine an inspiring event
On behalf of all of us who organized, helped with, and attended our Gathering for Ukraine in Washington Square on Sunday May 15, I want to thank you for your front-page coverage of the event.
The event brought together participants from many sides of the situation in Ukraine. The choir of St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Woonsocket showed that there is still music in the heart of the Ukrainian American community despite the horrible situation there. Col. Alex Kolcenko of the Ukrainian Marines who is currently a student at the Naval War College, gave a history of Russia’s repeated attempts to dominate and destroy Ukraine.
Gary Shaye, a lead ambassador from Save the Children showed us the heroic humanitarian effort that organization and its many partners in Ukraine are doing to bring aid and relief to the civilian population. Kathy Cloutier, the executive director of Dorcas International Institute, explained the wide range of services they are prepared to offer those refugees or immigrants who come to Rhode Island fleeing the violence and chaos.
Finally, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse gave a passionate speech about all that can be done at the Federal level to support the Ukrainian resistance and the real possibility the Ukrainians will achieve victory over the Russian invaders.
Thanks to Christian Belden, executive director, and the Board of Directors of Church Community Housing Corporation for their support as our non-profit organizational sponsor. Thanks also to BankNewport, Bar ‘Cino, Bardorf & Bardorf, Dan Silverman, and B.J.’s Middletown for their contributions to help defray the costs of producing the event. Finally, thanks to the many volunteers who stepped forward to help.
All on hand were inspired to see such an enthusiastic turnout of fellow community members and to hear the guest speakers’ presentations. We hope your readers will join with us in helping the people of Ukraine and we invite them to get involved through volunteerism or by making a charitable contribution either to Save the Children, Dorcas International or an organization of their choice.
Dan Snydacker, Kiki Mitchell, Ann Arnold, and Dr. Jim Turanski, “A Gathering for Ukraine” Committee Members
Condemning the Buffalo shootings
The Newport County Branch-NAACP calls on all Americans to condemn the recent killings of Black people by a White Supremacist in Buffalo, New York. This shooting, once again, demonstrates profound hate and reckless disregard for the dignity of human life. There is no place in a civilized society for such behavior.
Even though it may reflect ignorance of the perpetrator, there is absolutely no basis for tolerating the vile hatred manifested in these cowardly and inexcusable acts. They were a heinous and callous transgression against the law and against the moral code of our country.
Surely, we all must realize that hatred is a pernicious and degenerative force that erodes the soul of individuals and the character of our country. It is antithetical to the fundamental structure of our democracy.
Buffalo shootings: Yes, American voter demographics are changing. No, that’s not what Replacement Theory is
“Enough is enough” has been echoed each time such incidents transpire so that it is much too hollow a statement to make at this time. We say: “Wake up to the hatred that is dividing this country.” “Take a stand against it; talk about it.” “Realize that it is undermining of our American principles of equality and justice.” “Become active and outspoken in efforts to end hatred and violence.” “Ask and expect elected officials to take leadership roles in eradicating this injustice.” “Become advocates for peace, fairness, understanding, and acceptance among all people.”
Remember that we all have responsibilities as citizens to recognize and respect the rights of others in all aspects of life in America that include being able to come and go without the fear of being gunned down.
For the very well-being of our collective future, we urge everyone to denounce hatred and violence in all of their ugly forms and unite behind the common goal of a peaceful and caring community – the “Beloved Community,” so eloquently envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., where everyone is accepted and cherished by one another.
James I. Winters, president Newport County Branch - NAACP
Why I'm running for moderator of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District
My name is David Reise and I am asking for your support in reelection to the position of moderator of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District. I value the water system we have now and will maintain the quality and supply of water at a fair value into the future. I have learned and gained both knowledge and experience during my first term. I hope to continue in the future as new needs and challenges must be met.
I am a lifetime Portsmouth resident of over 65 years. I offer experience in knowing the history of the water system. As a young boy, I observed the installation of the water system. I believe historical, practical and technical knowledge is important when making the decisions that affect the water supply of the residents of Portsmouth.
I have a degree from Northeastern University in mechanical engineering, with a major in thermo fluid dynamics. I have 36 years of work experience with the department of the Navy as a senior lead engineer for fleet support, design, experimental testing and analysis.
I will support and work to maintain the efficient supply of water to Portsmouth at a reasonable cost to residents. I ask for your support. Voting will be held at the office of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District, 1944 E. Main Road on June 8, 2022 starting at 7 a.m.
David Reise, Portsmouth
Making an impact on the environment is important year-round
Thinking about the climate crisis that our community, country, and Earth faces can be overwhelming. Can one person make an impact? Is it ‘worth it’ to compost, recycle and reduce consumption? The answer is, yes of course, it is worth it; however, if you are still feeling at a loss, there is so much more you can do. Rhode Island is a small state, which means we have easy access to our state government. Get informed about legislation that is impacting our environment and call or email your elected officials to voice your opinion. On those lines, cast your vote and elect politicians who are dedicated to protecting our environment. Volunteer with local non-profits, donate to specific causes you care about, get involved with a city or town committee, and talk with your neighbors to encourage them to do the same.
Fifty-two years after the first Earth Day in 1970, much has been achieved in creating awareness about the dire health of our environment, but there is so much work left to do.
I am happy to report that The Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District is working to empower our community’s residents, landowners, and leaders to take action to conserve RI’s valued natural resources (such as soil, water, and air) by educating students about sustainable agriculture, preventing polluted stormwater from entering the watershed, and helping farmers run healthy farms, just to name a few examples.
ERICD hosted many events throughout April (Earth Month) that empowered a range of community members to take action. Our Seedling Sale ensured that 1,400 native and noninvasive seedlings were distributed and will grow into strong allies for our environment; 50 rain barrels were sold, which will collect stormwater from residential roofs and prevent it from flowing directly into the Bay; ‘ploggers’ picked up over 250 pounds of trash, keeping our coastal and drinking waters cleaner; our Comedy for Conservation show spread the joy of plogging and conservation to an audience that came just for the laughs.
True, these events alone are not going to solve our global climate crisis, but together we can start to make an impact locally, then grow together from there. Please join me in celebrating our Earth, today and everyday, and the impact we will make and thank you to everyone who joined us this April.
Sara Churgin, Portsmouth, district manager Eastern RI Conservation District
Democrats do not hate America
Some witticisms, true then, are true now. Cowboy wit Will Rogers once said “I am a member of no organized political party. I’m a Democrat.” Sure enough, the Democratic Party (aka the ‘Democrat’ Party, according to Republican orthodoxy) remains disorganized. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Central party GOP talking points have that slight Soviet odor to me. There seems not to be any individual Republican viewpoint or hypocrisy. A Mitch McConnell hypocrisy, for example, is embraced by all, whether about Supreme Court nominees or flip-flops on Trump’s misdeeds. Group think is the rule, and the path ahead seems to be a narrow one that turns back to the past.
Democrats, while in a shrinking party as to membership, like the big tent, welcome a diversity of interests and viewpoints, and seem energized by arguments about the priorities and pace of progress in our country. Characterized as radical/liberal by Republican leaders, Democrats (most are centrists, no kidding) probably seem that way to GOPers who have shifted so very far right. A Democratic agenda supporting renewable energy, better public schools, expanded health care for the poor, revitalized infrastructure, and supplemental help to the police seems centrist and sensible to me. How to move forward as a largely cohesive people is an important and interesting question.
That will not occur with the cascade of ridiculous assertions on Fox TV and of GOP leaders like Hawley and Cruz, to say nothing of Trump. Spoiler alert! Democrats do not hate America. Biden is not using illegal drugs and waves of undocumented immigrants to kill and replace Trump voters. Voting fraud is a myth. Sadly, COVID-19 is real. The vaccines are not making Fauci wealthy. That these lies are so frequently spread and believed is proof positive that the Democratic Party is disorganized. Else, it would wage a real campaign to debunk and discredit them. That work seems to be an important focus of the mainstream media, or as Trump would have us believe, The Enemy of the People.
And so we thrust and parry, with truth and progress left by the wayside, while the crowds roar, many politicians dissemble, and the nation totters. Can we do better? That should be an easy question to answer.
Will Newman, Tiverton
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: LETTERS: Remembering a Newport man's death in WWII this Memorial Day
