....Let Us Give Thanks....

As we celebrate this festive and wonderful holiday, we should also be grateful and remember our Grandfathers who crossed the mighty Atlantic to come to the shores of America. They worked endlessly overcoming many obstacles in a foreign land to give us the opportunity of a lifetime... Relax..Grab Some Egg Nog And Sit By The Fire....As We Recall Memories Of The Past... My Favorite Christmas Memory....Anne Forgione Merced I was 8 years old and awakened to see the huge Christmas Tree we had decorated the nite before. The tree was so tall my Father cut off the top and made a small one for me. Under the tree stood my new doll house and doll. I named her "Kathleen". I was so excited and will always treasure the smiles on my parents face seeing my joy on that Christmas Morning.... My Favorite Memory of Christmas...Toni Anastasio McKeen I remember one Christmas when Irena and I received "Toni" dolls. You could give them "permanents" with sugar water solution. After opening our presents and going to church, we then went to Granddma Irene's house on Metropolitan Avenue joined by lots of relatives. It seemed like we ate all afternoon. It was there that I had my first taste of red wine mixed with club soda....

My Favorite Christmas Memory....Linda Solonchak Ritholz I remember we lived in Brooklyn and my Father set up trains around the Christmas tree. My brother Steven and I used to argue over who would play with them first. I would get up early in the morning and play with them. I remember the sound of the whistle and all the signs and people making it look like a town. I will always remember that special time...

My Favorite Christmas Memory...Al Anastasio

I was stationed in Florida during the war. It was Christmastime and most of us were lonesome and sad being so far away from our families. There was a large compound where we all met. An officer filled glasses with different amounts of water and we began to sing carols. Several of the women (an even some men) cried as we sang. It was the first time most of us were away from our families and it was difficult.