Now that Al Gore’s documentary on global warming, An Inconvenient Truth, has been nominated for an Academy Award, and even the President is opening his eyes to the reality of the consequences of spewing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, maybe we can get on the same page and begin to do something about it. If not for us, then for our children and theirs.
Despite myriad evidence and scientific proof that climate change is affecting the planet, there remain millions who still don’t or won’t buy it.
Some believe it’s all part of a liberal conspiracy to take down the oil industry; or that the melting of the polar ice caps is merely a natural cyclical occurrence, and that the Earth will eventually heal itself.
Eventually? Does that mean after all human beings are dead and gone?
As further evidence that climate change is taking place — and right under our very noses, consider the observation this week of Lake Orion resident Dan Richards.
Dan, who lives on Pine Tree in the village, looked out the window into his neighbor’s yard the other day, to witness at least 20 robins cavorting in a tree.
Dan, who insists he wasn’t drinking prior to the sighting, says it’s the earliest he’s ever seen robins in Michigan.
While we assume the birds just arrived, it’s possible they never left. They’ve just been sticking around through the mild winter in hopes of being the first to the worms in the spring.
Early-season robin spotting may not be unique, but I, like Dan, don’t recall seeing them in late January before.
I suppose we should look at this event as a good sign. Like the fact that the Tigers will begin spring training within a matter of a couple weeks.
Now that is a sign of spring — and good reason to celebrate.
There may be less reason to celebrate the arrival of robins in January.

If the talent displayed at this week’s unveiling of ‘American Idol? is any indication, the show has taken a decidedly ugly turn for the worse.
One could find better talent at the corner bar on ‘karaoke night.?
Even if the show’s producers intended to switch ‘Idol’s? original focus from providing opportunities for genuinely talented people, to laughing at and making fun of an endless string of sideshow attractions, it still failed miserably.
As bad as the auditioners were, they simply weren’t funny, either.
There was nary a talented person in sight — or sound.
If this ridiculous excuse for a talent show is to be believed, there must not have been any prescreening before this latest batch of wannabees stood before the illustrious panel of judges. As talentless as they are, themselves, even Simon and company must have wondered if they had gotten off at the right exit. Worse yet, is the likelihood that the judges were also in on the joke.
Speaking of wrong exits, maybe the show should take the ‘right? exit and disappear into the oblivion of bad television memories.
It appears that ‘Idol? producers have opted to make a mockery of the once likeable program, and at the expense of serious viewers and legitimate auditioners.
To portray the latest grouping of auditioners as anything other than pretenders — or opportunists — would be an insult to anyone who previously took the show seriously.
It must be assumed that based on the obvious lack of talent, many of the auditioners saw the process simply as a joke — a way to get on television, embarrass themselves, and be able to laugh about it later with their friends.
Unfortunately, the joke was on the portion of the American public that still tunes in to the show to see some ‘real? talent.
Of course, like any dog and pony show, millions of people watched — and in record numbers, according to the Nielson ratings.
It would seem, then, that television producers really do know what their millions of viewers want to see — people making fools of themselves.
As far as music idols go, bring back Sinatra, Elvis, the Beatles or Billy Idol, for that matter.
And if sick humor is what you’re looking for, check out the latest episode of ‘Jackass.? It’s much better.

It’s ironic that the long-awaited reopening of the Sagebrush Cantina, the same business that gave the downtown district a huge shot in the arm little more than a month ago, is now the subject of criticism from some other business owners.
The reason? The Cantina’s customers are taking up too many parking spaces downtown, which in turn is affecting accessibilty to other businesses in the vicinity.
Village officials and police anticipated that parking — or the lack of it — would be a problem once the popular Broadway Street eatery opened its doors again. And they planned for it.
Even before the reopening, village police stepped up efforts to identify and ticket those who abuse the two-hour parking limit downtown.
The Village also entered into agreements with some residents to rent their private spaces for public parking.
In addition, the village’s DDA is in the process of creating yet more spaces for short-term public parking.
Still, there are sometimes precious few spaces for everyone trying to find one during certains times of the day — particularly at lunch time and into the afternoon and evening hours.
The reality is that Village officials can only do so much to resolve the parking issue. They certainly don’t want to discourage people from patronizing downtown businesses, even if the majority of patrons appear to be clamoring to a single destination.
Like many small downtown districts, Lake Orion is restricted by space from creating additional parking for downtown visitors.
Short of building a multi-level parking structure on vacant property that doesn’t appear to exist, the Village is left to hope and trust that residents, business owners and downtown patrons can hash things out on their own.
Parking problems are nothing new for local communities which become popular destinations for people who live outside them.
Try to find a parking spot in downtown Royal Oak, Rochester, Birmingham or even Ferndale on a Friday or Saturday night. There are few to be had. It’s the price a community pays when it becomes more than a tiny blip on the local radar screen.
The best remedies are strict enforcement of parking limits, and patience and civility on the part of business owners and those vying for parking spots. It would be unfortunate to think that the success of one business would be to the detriment of another. It’s likely that business at the Cantina will begin to level off in time.
Until then, better communication and understanding among all parties involved would be helpful.

While school officials across Michigan patiently cross their fingers, awaiting some good news, the State sits on $10 million in grant money slated for public education.
The wait is understandable, considering the governor and legislators are trying to maximize what’s left in a budget that is running at a $3 billion deficit.
Schools are undoubtedly one of the last places anybody wants to make cuts. As evidence, amidst last year’s economic chaos, the state still opted to increase school funding by $3.4 million, with most of the increase going to per-pupil funding, which is currently $7,085 annually.
An increase is not likely in the cards this time around, and school districts are probably bracing for the worst.
It’s too late for this year, but one thing the state could do to raise more money for education is to improve on an existing revenue source — the Michigan State Lottery.
Through the sale of Lottery tickets, the state annually collects and disseminates millions of dollars earmarked for education.
The drawback of the Lottery is, and always has been, that there are too few winners, and too little incentive for everyone to play.
Because the Lottery’s overblown multi-million dollar payouts are so few, and the chances of winning virtually negligible, the game doesn’t appeal to the masses.
There are probably millions of Michigan residents who never or rarely buy lottery tickets, but who would play if they thought they had even the slightest chance of winning amounts in the range of $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000.
The Lottery Commission should forget about the million-dollar payoffs, and create more opportunities for people to win smaller but substantial amounts.
By increasing the frequency of winners, the state could bring countless new lottery players into the fold and add millions to the education coffers.
A new, enhanced Lottery would have to be promoted in a way that attracts more and new players, while not abandoning loyal, longtime players.
But more frequent payoffs could very well lead to the Lottery becoming a much larger revenue source for education than it is today.
Under a revised payoff system, the overall winnings would still reflect the same percentage of money paid out, but the winnings would be distributed differently. More payoffs would result in more players, and more money for schools.
On the downside, there will be fewer instant millionaires walking around, but a lot more people will be out spending their comparitively modest winnings on big-ticket items like cars, homes, boats and furniture.
More importantly, the state’s kids would benefit.

New Year’s resolution: Quit smoking.
Yes, for the very first time, quitting smoking is at the top of my must-do list for the new year.
2007 marks the only year smoking has even appeared on my list. The reason being is that before 2006, I’d never been a regular smoker.
It was early in 2006, that during a period of emotional duress, I began bumming occasional ciggies from friends, co-workers and even complete strangers to whom I would promise to reciprocate when I actually began smoking for real.
At first, my smoking was limited to social situations, and the cigarettes were often accompanied by a mixed drink. The perfect combination, I thought.
My puffing and dragging was done with the belief that I was too smart and in control of my behavior to ever fall victim to the nicotine habit — which I’d always believed was blown out of proportion.
When I began bumming, people who knew me as a non-smoker questioned my wisdom and reasons for lighting up.
I’d retort, jokingly, that I was ‘trying to start,? as if the injection of dark humor could make sense of the fact that I’d taken a bad turn.
Over time, the people I’d been bumming from grew weary of my constant requests for yet another cigarette, suggesting that I start buying my own. Even enablers have their limits.
In recent weeks and months, I’ve come to realize there is nothing remotely funny or attractive about being addicted to smoking, nor its effect on the human body.
Most noticeably, I seem to have less wind (hot air?) than before I started smoking. Hence, it’s become a little more difficult to hold out sustained notes when singing with my band.
There are also more frequent bouts with sore throats and the associated raspiness that clears up when smoke-free.
Even my speaking voice has been affected, especially early in the morning after a late evening of puffing away.
There is yet another downside to smoking; the pervasive stench of cigarette smoke that literally clings and collects in my clothing and hair.
If that’s not enough to dissuade me and others to quit smoking, consider the health ramifications.
Smoking may not always lead to lung cancer, heart disease and diabetes, but there is sufficient evidence to prove that it does often enough to cause serious pause.
Finally, the sheer cost of smoking is ridiculous and personally prohibitive. If I can stick to my guns and quit, I can consider saving the money previously spent on cigarettes as a pay raise.
So the next time I’m out and about and ask if I can bum a cigarette off you, politely decline — please!
And if I continue to pester you, just tell me less politely, to butt out!

The recent return to the concert stage of Bob Seger has jogged a lot of memories for Detroit-area music fans.
It had been a very long time, more than 10 years to be precise, since Seger and his Silver Bullet Band graced a local concert venue, leaving most fans wondering if it would ever happen.
As time and circumstance would have it, Seger and company have come out of their respective cocoons to perform a succession of shows at the Palace of Auburn Hills, drawing rave reviews from those fortunate enough to see either of the first two concerts.
For those who missed out, the band will play again tomorrow (Thurs., Dec. 28) at 7:30 p.m., and again Friday, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. Although, tickets will be scarce.
The comeback of Seger, arguably Detroit’s best-known rocker, has been big news in the Motor City. For those who’ve followed his career from the early days, it marks the return of an artist whose well-crafted lyrics and melodies are firmly etched in rock & roll history.
I think Seger’s best songs were his earliest. That’s when his unbridaled passion and energy spoke as much about the young man, as his story-telling and well-seasoned sensibilities do now.
My earliest recollections of Bob Seger were as a young, slightly raucous, raspy-voiced singer-guitarist playing local teen clubs with names like The Hideout, Silverbell, Crow’s Nest and countless other joints where up-and-coming 60s groups made the rounds, hoping to make a name for themselves.
Bob Seger and The Last Heard was one of those bands.
At the time, Seger often sported a brimmed corduroy hat that resembled a seaman’s cap, worn slightly back on his head.
His look was unique, but it was the powerful voice that everyone noticed. He could scream his lyrics through the microphone at decibel levels few others could achieve.
With former drummer ‘Pep? Perrine driving the band on songs like ‘Eastside Story? and ‘Persecution Smith,? Seger stood out from the rest of the pack. Even then, there was something special about him. He had that voice, and of course — those great songs.
Much of his early material reflected the same themes shared by his contemporaries — teen angst, rebellion and dissatisfaction with the system. But as he evolved, so did his song writing.
His oft-forgotten political statement, ?2+2,? questioned the wisdom of the Vietnam War, and became a mini-anthem for local hippies and the anti-war movement.
After a name change to the Bob Seger System, there was a brief time when he seemed to lanquish. It appeared that Bob Seger may never rise beyond the local music scene, where he continued to be revered by fans and fellow musicians.
It wasn’t until the release of ‘Ramblin? Gamblin? Man? in the late sixties that the rest of the country finally discovered what Detroit had known for a long time; that Bob Seger was a bonafide talent.
On the basis of some other hits that followed, most notably ‘Heavy Music,? Seger continued to establish himself as a fine singer and songwriter. But it wasn’t until the formation of the Silver Bullet Band, that he would find the mass audience he had sought.
Despite the successes of the Silver Bullet Band, I still prefer the ‘old? Seger. Although, my opinions are to be taken lightly. I’m the same guy who thought the Beatles ‘lost their sound? on the highly acclaimed ‘White Album.?
Nevertheless, Seger was something to behold back in those early days. Being a young musician myself, we sometimes played at the same venues.
After we finished our set, I would walk out into the audience to listen. Standing off to the side of the stage, I found myself mesmerized by the talent and energy of a young Bob Seger.
The success Seger has enjoyed is well deserved. By rock-n-roll standards he is a modest man who has always played down his success and been loyal to those around him.
He is still managed by the legendary ‘Punch? Andrews, a personal and professional relationship that has endured since the days at The Hideout.
When original Silver Bullet drummer Charlie Martin was severely injured when he was struck by a car, Seger made sure he remained on the payroll.
Even today, he sticks with the same nucleus of musicians that has been with him for many years. Guitarist Drew Abbott (of Third Power fame), sax man Alto Reed and bass player Chris Campbell have remained fixtures.
Seger didn’t have to look far for a drummer, either. He turned again to Flint native Don Brewer, the rhythm machine who once stoked the fires of Grand Funk Railroad.
In a world where loyalty is typically a one-way street, Seger never forgets who his friends are.
All of these details preface a more personal experience I had with Bob Seger.
Although I’d said hello to him on occasion back in the day, it wasn’t until several years later, after doing a stint in the Navy, that I had an actual face-to-face with the man and musician I’d so admired.
After getting out of the Navy, I was without a gig and somehow finagled my way into playing a few shows with Dick Wagner, another fine local musician who achieved success with his band ‘Frost,? and later with Alice Cooper.
Dick told me that Seger was lookingfor a drummer and he would put in a word for me. He didn’t say if it would be ‘good.?
Realizing I was rusty and that my ‘chops? weren’t where they should be to play with Seger, I nevertheless accepted an invitation to audition.
Needless to say, I didn’t get the gig. But I did get a better sense of the artist and man. He was truly gracious — a gentleman and probably much too kind to someone who wasn’t ready for prime time.
The experience was well worth the rejection. Besides, he picked up the tab for lunch at the Big Boy.
Our paths have never crossed again and most likely never will. But the memory is a good one.
So while Bob Seger and I have probably both spent our share of time walking ‘Against the Wind,? we’ve also been able to gracefully ‘Turn the Page? to new beginnings and challenges.
Seger, back on the concert stage, and me, as the new guy at the Lake Orion Review. Somehow it all works out — so long as we ‘Keep Playin? That Rock & Roll.?

By any measure, an anniversary of 125 years represents a significant milestone.
For a newspaper like the Lake Orion Review, it means that tens of thousands of readers have turned to these pages for their news and information over the years.
During that time, countless local residents have come and gone. Many of them shared personal stories of accomplishment and setback, success and tribulation, joy and tragedy.
Each of these stories represented a small piece of local history, a brief moment in time. But when added up, they become a wildly divergent mosaic of people’s lives, past and present, reflecting both constant change and the continuum of the human condition.
Each of the lives written about in a century-and-a-quarter have made a difference, and they were further validated through the words printed on these pages.
As it was on December 24, 1881, the day this venerable newspaper was founded, and remains today, the job of reporting the news can be an awesome responsibility.
The words we print have the power to honor or hurt the characters and reputations of those we write about — so those words must be chosen carefully. It is crucial that what we print is the truth, is accurate and fair.
Our belief is that the staff and management at the Lake Orion Review, have hsitorically adhered to the highest standards of journalism. We hope you feel the same.
We maintain these standards by opening our ears to the voices and opinions being heard in our community, while not shirking our responsibility to project a voice of our own.
It is with this philosophy that the Sherman family, owners of The Lake Orion Review, plunges along with our readers into an unknown future. A future where change is inevitable and will be embraced. We realize that nothing stays the same and that we will need to evolve with our readership.
One thing you can count on. The owners, management and staff of the Lake Orion Review will continue to listen to your voices, and to record your personal stories on our pages.

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays keeping us preoccupied, let’s not forget about the men and women serving in uniform in places like Iraq, Afghanistan and countless other duty stations around the world.
The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for parents, spouses, grandparents, brothers, sisters and friends of our servicemen and women who find themselves in harm’s way this Christmas.
It’s equally tough for the soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who will spend this Christmas far from home, often with uncertainty about when they will return — and for how long.
One such local man who will spend this holiday abroad is Cpl. Shawn M. Wilson, the son of Oakland County Commissioner Eric Wilson.
Having seen Eric at a recent event, it is obvious he is immensely proud of Shawn’s service to his country, while at the same time being concerned for his safety.
Shawn is serving with the U.S. Marines in Fallujah, once the major stronghold for Iraqi resistance forces.
We at the Review offer a prayer that Cpl. Wilson and his fellow Marines, as well as all of our fighting men and women abroad, will enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday season.
We also pray for their safe and speedy return and for a certain end to the conditions that continue to lead nations and peoples to go to war against one another.
Real peace may sound like an empty, impossible dream, given that up to this point in history, man has been incapable of finding a way to live together peacefully.
Nevertheless, it feels like a worthy wish at this time of the year.

There’s still a lot of complaining being heard from Michigan Wolverine fans, suggesting that the team got the short end of the stick by not being picked for a rematch against Ohio State in the BCS title game.
The reality is that Michigan had its chance in the final game of the regular season and came up a little short.
Admittedly, had it not been for a couple of uncommon letdowns by Michigan’s previously vaunted defense that turned into big plays for OSU, the Wolves might have escaped Columbus with a win.
But that was then and this is now. Either the computer or the people who make the decisions preferred the idea of an Ohio State-Florida matchup over a repeat performance of the Big 10 rivals.
It just may be that Michigan will face an even tougher team in Southern California, which saw its season come to a surprising conclusion at the hands of UCLA.
Besides, remember how Bo and Lloyd Carr always stressed how the Rose Bowl is the biggest and best of all the bowl games.
If it was then, and still is now, then it’s time to quit whining and start focusing on what could be a super college football game in Pasadena on January 1.
Moreover, consider the ramifications of yet another loss at the hands of the Buckeyes. The possibility of that ‘worst-case scenario? actually happening was probably more likely than not.
And that would most assuredly have sent maize and blue-hearted Michigan fans into a winter-long funk. Nobody wants that, unless you bleed MSU green.
Better to give…
A lot of local people have been in the giving spirit of late, proving that it still feels a lot better to give than receive.
Sure, it would be nice to get that special item you’ve been wanting for so long. It would make you happy. But probably not nearly as happy as knowing that you helped make Christmas brighter for a child, an adult or family in genuine need.
Fortunately, this community is filled with people who are financially able and willing to offer assistance to others during the holidays. But what If you’re feeling the financial pinch yourself? There is always the reward derived from giving to someone on a personal level. Visiting someone who is ill, homebound or down on his luck can offer them an emotional boost and help them get through the holidays and another long winter.
Don’t underestimate the value of sharing a smile or a kind word with someone. It’s something we can all do with little effort and no effect on our pocketbooks.
If you don’t have any extra money to give to charities this year, give what you can in personal kindness. And if you’re able, please give as generously as you can. There are always those who desperately need your help.

Lake Orion will be bursting with energy and bustling with activity this weekend, as the village kicks off another festive holiday season.
If you have been burning the midnight oil or simply too pooped to participate of late, now is the time to get moving again.
This Friday (Dec. 1), the Lake Orion Parade Group hosts its annual ‘Holly Jolly Folly,? an event to help fund the 2006 Orion Area Holiday Lighted Parade, which takes place Saturday (Dec. 2) at 6 p.m.
For anyone with an interest in keeping the village’s lighted parade among the best in the state, this is the chance to step up and support the cause.
The Holly Jolly Folly, from 7-11 p.m. at the Palace Chrysler Showroom on M-24, features food, fun and friendly faces.
Besides enjoying the fine cuisine prepared by the chefs at Palazzo di Bocce, attendees can mix with friends and strangers and bid on some great items during the silent auction.
A D.J. will be on hand to help dancers trip the light fantastic to everything from oldies, standards and classic rock, to seasonal hits like ‘Jinglebell Rock? and Bob Seger’s memorable ‘Santa’s Got A Brand New Bag.?
If dancing isn’t your thing, then people-watching is a great option. For those who prefer to watch the action, the 13th Annual Holiday Lighted Parade on Saturday at 6 p.m., will be a sight for those sore, tired eyes.
The theme is ‘Christmas on Broadway,? and with marching bands from Lake Orion and Pontiac Central providing the perfect amount of musical seasoning, it should be easy to get into the spirit of things.
By all means, don’t forget to bring the kids. It’s rumored that a slightly rotund man from the North Pole will be venturing southward — just to see Lake Orion’s little ones.
If the kids have already left the roost or are ‘too old? for that kind of thing, come on downtown anyway. Check out what has been hottest rumor being bantered about lately. That being the reopening of Dia Zagara’s Sagebrush Cantina on Broadway.
While the jury is still out as of this writing, all signs are pointing to the restaurant’s reopening in time for the parade. If not, there are still plenty of other dining options to choose from downtown.
If you’re not hungry, stick around after the parade and do some early Christmas shopping. The downtown merchants have invested a great deal of their money and sweat equity into making the downtown district a destination for area residents. By stopping by, saying hello to the owners and employees, and purchasing an item or two, you can help these businesses prosper.
Many of us complain about the crowds, noise and utter chaos we face when going to the local malls. So why not make a special trip downtown this weekend and support the people who have taken the initiative to invest in our own community.
Hope to see you at any or all of these events.

I don’t like to reveal my age. First ? because I’m a gentleman, and secondly ? because I don’t want anyone to know. That being said, I’m going to divulge something which should give anyone who’s at all interested, a pretty fair idea of just how old I am.
I’m old enough to recall the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It was on November 22, 1963, that a sniper’s bullet struck the President while seated in the back of an unprotected limousine in a motorcade in Dallas.
Younger Americans undoubtedly have a sense of the impact Kennedy’s assassination had on our country, but only those with some years on us can remember the utter horror of that day. It was a terrible moment in American history, and the country has not been the same since.
It may be difficult to compare or contrast the Kennedy assassination with the events of September 11, 2001, or December 7, 1941, for that matter. But personally, that day was the saddest and darkest in our country’s modern history.
Not only did the assassination bring an end to the life of a young, vibrant and intelligent leader, it represented the end of America’s former innocence.
On November 22, 1963, and in the days that followed until Kennedy’s funeral dirge made its way down Pennyslvania Avenue, Americans of every ilk and political persuasion shared a common sadness.
It was also the time when the medium of television came of age. Like millions of others, I was glued to the television for the ensuing days, feeling the sadness and trying to make sense of the tragedy.
And like so many others, I was watching, too, when the television cameras caught the moment when presumed assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was mortally wounded by Jack Ruby. Yet another instant imbedded in a generation’s consciousness.
In the years to come, the killings of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy revealed the increasingly violent nature of our society. These events coincided with political unrest and social change not seen since the Civil War. There were race riots in our cities; an unpopular war in Vietnam; and the beginnings of a class struggle that haunts our nation to this day.
A lot of people talk about how the world has changed since 9-11. And it has.
When fundamentalist religious zealots strap bombs to their bodies and incinerate themselves and innocent civilians for a cause, we’re all in a heap of trouble.
Now, even the world’s most powerful army finds itself bogged down against an enemy that wears no uniform, flies no flag and whose weapons are homemade.
Life seemed so much simpler back in 1963. That is until November 22nd.
For me, that day remains the single-most unsettling in our nation’s history. Because even if only symbolically, it felt like this country’s best opportunity for greatness had suddenly slipped away.
And 43 years later, it still feels that way.

Having attended numerous Veterans Day functions over the years, it’s always frustrated me that more people don’t turn out on the one day that honors every American who donned a uniform and served in our nation’s Armed Forces.
That long-held frustration came to an abrupt and unexpectred end Saturday.
On a bitter-cold, drizzly morning, with winds blustering and the mercury dropping, I figured only a scant few hardy souls would show up for the Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Lake Orion.
But then again, I’ve only been here a short time — apparently not long enough to accurately measure the pride and compassion of this community.
Nearly 200 people braved the harsh elements on Veterans Day to share in a tribute to America’s servicemen and women — and more specifically, to acknowledge the sacrifice of Sgt. Raymond Plouhar.
The Lake Orion Marine sergeant lost his life on June 26, 2006, while serving in Iraq. His death was on the minds and in the hearts of every individual in attendance.
Young Raymond’s father, Raymond Anthony (Tony) Plowhar, was there. As were his mother, Cindy; sisters, Toni and Marie, and numerous cousins, friends and strangers who gathered in support of the family and to honor the memory of the fallen Marine.
Though words and expressions of sympathy never seem enough, there was an abundance of both, as one after one, attendees walked up to Sgt. Plouhar’s family members to offer their personal condolences.
Sometimes it takes a personal connection to remind us of the cost of our freedom — and of war. The consequences of war far outlast the duration of any single skirmish or campaign — especially for the families.
In a heartfelt tribute to her brother, Raymond’s sister, Toni shared memories of a brother that was looked up to by everyone — even the family elders. He was described as the family’s ‘peacemaker.?
She spoke of his kindness, generosity and leadership qualities, and of his commitment to serve his country.
In a tragic twist of fate, Raymond died on Toni’s birthday — an irony she used to struggle with, but now treasures as a final gift of love from her brother.
Few of us can fully understand the tragic loss of a loved one in battle. Far fewer ever want to understand.
But it’s only when the war comes home, like it has for the Plouhar family, that we truly realize the consequences.
On Saturday, one veteran urged us to acknowledge all of our veterans, by thanking them for their service. To share a smile or kind word with them, suggesting that it will mean more to them than we can imagine.
And for those like Raymond Plouhar, who paid the ultimate sacrifice, we can never forget. They gave their lives in a foreign land so the rest of us can enjoy peace and tranquility back home.