Perhaps because my father was a Navigator during World War 11 or maybe because for so many years, almost everyone that lived on Long Island worked at either Grumman's or Republic Airports, I am facinated by old air planes. The incredible story of how they helped us win the war is a true tribute to all the Veterans who fought in the war.
In coming home from a Feng Shui Consultation in Calverton, Long Island, located in the Town of Riverhead, I saw a small sign "Grumman Memorial Park." I didn't know it existed. It seems more then ever before I am running into things I have never seen before and didn't know existed. This was apparently put together in the year 2000. I thought there might be some history buffs out there who would enjoy it as much as I did---or anyone who remembers that Grummans was the staple of Long Island, back in the days of fair pay, good jobs, vacation and sick days and wonderful medical insurance. Here are some shots of the amazing planes and the memorial they put together to honor their employees:
Grumman took pride in it's workers.
I have to wonder why there wasn't any land to be found on it's original site in Bethpage, Long Island....
An Air to Air Missle---in the next picture you can read about it!
Pictures of the Famous F14 Tomcat are coming....
The F14 Tomcat by Grummans, Bethpage, Long Island
Eash Bench was dedicated to an employee at Grummans...So was EACH BRICK along the walkway.
Every name has a story behind it...
This is the Grumman Airplane A6E. This plance could hold 28 500 pound bombs with pin-point accuracy according to the sign. It was in service 30 years. Amazing what we created right here on Long Island!
I have run into the BEST things this year, I am very fortunate!
Carole, the National Air Force Museum of Canada (with many, many restored and original planes) is 20 minutes away from me. I grew up in a military town. My Dad was not military, however most of my friend's Dads were.
I have mixed feelings about old planes. I love the old planes that have nothing to do with war. However, whenever I see bombers I think of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all of the innocent people who were killed or injured for life. So, I avoid the air museum. I don't know, it's a touchy subject for me and then it borders over to the whole political spectrum too ......
Jo
Sally, Thank you for your comment. I never knew this place existed. What a shame they couldn't find room for it on the original site.
Joan,They're old, trust me. They just cleaned up well. If you grew up on Long Island, it would be difficult not to find a person that wasn't associated with Grummans.
Jo,I know what you are saying about the sadness associated with them. But it created my father's philosopy that when "your time is up, it's up." It is amazing to see years later what he survived but I have wonderful memories of this stories (which he always made pleasant somehow!).
Lizette, my dad was stationed in Germany. He served with Clark Gable so we have some items from him (and lots of stories :)
Laurie, Did you realize that too? I have never been called out East so much as I have this year. I found this by taking a wrong turn somewhere :) I would LOVE to move out there, it is beautiful!!
Maureen, Thank you! It was a great little accidental find :)
Irene, It's not a big place but it certainly is a nice memorial because they honored their workers and that is so nice to see.
Hi Carole, I live and grew up in Akron within site of the Good Year hanger where many "Rosie the Riveters" put together some the airplanes that saved us all in WWII. And naturally the blimps that proved so instrumental in the air war. I feel as you do when I see the monuments all over Akron. I thank them all everyday for what they did and that they made a better world for all of us with their sacrifices. I learned to fly because I was so close the the airport and watced them fly over everyday.
Hi Jo, I love you, but, your comment, "However, whenever I see bombers I think of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all of the ?innocent people? who were killed or injured for life", really got to me.
I think of the one million estimated Americans and allies that would have died because Japan would not surrender. War is hell, but losing to fanatics is worse than hell! Your children live it forever! Sorry, but just the facts, ma'am!
I am still amazed that a plane can fly! To think how far aviation has come in the last 100 years is mind boggling. Congratulations on being featured in your home state group. Another good post.
David, I understand what you are saying, however, yes, the majority of the people killed at Hiroshima, Nagasaki and ALL wars for that matter, are innocent and have nothing to do with the politics nor the aggression.
I have many ancestors that were killed on American soil and the ones who survived escaped and came here to Canada, hence I am here today. I want to believe there is a better way. To me, any device whatsoever, that is created to kill or harm other people, should never have been created to begin with. It is NOT created with good intention and hence, in my books, does not carry good energy.
Violence is never a proper answer to violence. At this point I realize we have to agree to disagree. We have different upbringings and hence different beliefs on these matters. Some of my ancestors were Mennonite (from PA) and some were Native American....they came here to Canada during the American Revolution and some before that due to aggression and violence.
David and Carole, I have full respect for you both (and all others too ) and feel love for you both too. Thanks for letting me express my opinion and I will now bow out of any and all further posts that touch on either religion or politics since they bother me just too much.
hugs to both of you
Jo
Cynthia, Thank you for your comment. My father had a secret pocket sewn into his jacket in which he carried my mother's engagement ring---He always thought it brought him luck!
David, I am facinated by these planes and by the influence Grumman had on the economy of Long Island.
Jo, I am so sorry to have offended you in any way. I love old planes and go to the airshows so this was a nice thing to come across. But I completely respect and understand your feelings and am sorry that this post offended you (or anyone else) in any way; it was NEVER intended to do that.
Carole, you never offended me AT ALL. Please don't think that you did...ever. I have family members who fought in wars and I understand the necessity to defend against aggressors when no peaceful means can be found. You did not offend me !!!!!! I just get a bad feeling about anything to do with war due to the loss of innocent lives and the loss of young lives and all the tragedy and heartache involved. This is why I avoid the news as much as possible and don't watch violent movies/shows.
However, I love old planes too.....just not bombers, I guess, due to the sad feelings they stir up in me. Same thing with guns, I can't understand why it is legal to carry guns in New York State (it is , right?) and yet you can't carry pepper spray for your own protection.
I hope you have a wonderful day and please forgive me for not commenting on your religion post....I am going to avoid all posts to do with religion or politics..... (it will be the first post of yours in forever that I have not commented on ) . ((-:
Jo
Carole, I read your post and realized it is not about religion at all. I feel it is sad that so many people attack feng shui, and I think most do it because they do not understand. Not understanding breeds fear which breeds negative action.....
anyhow, i notice more and more of religious connotations lately on AR....I try to avoid those posts entirely (even though I do believe that Christ existed and was a wondrous and good person who was a healer )...feng shui is not in the least bit religious..
It is also very difficult for people to express their true feelings and thoughts strictly via the internet; 65 % or more of the true meaning is lost. This may cause many mis-understandings to take place.
Jo