My family and I have returned from three days in Lowell, MA, and my father’s funeral, memorial mass and burial. It was a very special time. My family and I drove by the home where I grew up with my mom and dad; the high school that my mom and dad and I attended; and the places where my dad worked over the years. The journey brought back very warm memories for me. The trip was also very informative for my children to see the journey that generations of Americans make from grandfather to son to grandchildren.
It was very special to spend quality time at the viewing and related events with some of my dad’s friends, some of whom are 96 years old. We have a large family and the majority of the folks who attended the memorial were first and second cousins, nieces and nephews. We kept the gathering small as my father was a very humble and modest person. I wanted to make sure everything was as he would have wanted it to be and I believe that he is smiling down on us today from heaven. The church service was at the Holy Trinity Church, the oldest Greek Church in New England. This is the church where my dad and mom were wed; where they went to socials and dances; and went to Sunday school. We have created a small memorial in my mom and dad’s name at the church. Thank you to so many of you who sent us checks in lieu of flowers. That was very meaningful and most appreciated. And to those of who sent flowers, thank you. They were truly beautiful and added color and wonderful fragrance to all of the events. Several of my good friends from DC, Chicago, Miami and NYC surprised me and attended the services. I was very touched and must say thank you. My dad was a good man and he cherished his friends and he has passed that trait on to me as well. At the burial, the Navy sent three sailors to honor my dad. A sailor played taps and we were presented with an American flag that we will cherish always as my father knew how great this country was. He fought to defend it; showed amazing bravery during the war with Japan; and had positive thoughts and prayers for his fellow countrymen who serve in the military. My dad is now with my mom. He is home. Thank you for all of your emails, letters, cards and donations. Life goes on.
I think the new uniforms and color schemes seem natural to us and are a big improvement. 2. The new scoreboard is really fantastic. We are the first to use it. We didn’t have time to do any of our video packages on it and we are all working out the kinks. But the quality is superb and our fans will benefit greatly. I am glad that the fans like the new sound system too BUT the new sound system wasn’t working last night. That was the old sound system in use at the game. The new sound system should be up and running by opening night. The new LED systems are also up. Both units are new. There will be some new additional technology added as well. The big side boards - way up high - will be replaced with new LED based systems by opening night. 3. The costs for all of the improvements to date are being borne by us. The changes were to be funded by an increase in tax which would mean a raise of ticket prices on the tax which we have NOT passed on to our customers to date. Thanks to Washington Sports and Abe Pollin for getting all of these upgrades for the fans of our community. 4. The music. We didn’t unveil anything new in terms of music and in terms of video. It is a preseason game. Come to the Home Opener and see our new game presentation packages. 5. Cameras. Bring
