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Photographer's Biography |
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Gov Schwarzenegger in Awards Ceremony 9-07 On Sept 18th, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced 7 winners of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports Spotlight Awards presented by Blue Cross of CA Foundation at Marvin Elementary School in Los Angeles. The school was selected as School of the Year for having won the Governor's Challenge Competition, a contest engaging 69,000 students in physical activity. The school won a brand new fitness center. Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics Peter Vidmar, skateboarding idol, Tony Hawk, 3 time Olympic gold medalist in women's softball Lisa Fernandez, Council Chairman Jake Steinfeld, founder of Major League Lacrosse and "Body by Jake", and Exec Director Kenny Rogers made this event spectacular. I was honored to help our volunteer team as a liaison! |
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States Unite For a Healthy and Fit America 2007 National Association for Health and Fitness held its 30th annual conference, co-hosted by CA Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, at Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel. Jake Steinfeld, Council Chair & keynote speaker, and Kenny Rogers, Exec Dir, personally invited every state. Melissa Johnson, Exec Dir of the President's Council PFS, shared about our nation's commitment to health & fitness. Ben Schaffer chaired an exceptional Gold Star Awards dinner honoring Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jake Steinfeld, Kenny Rogers-Member of the Year, Calif Governor's Council of Year and North Carolina, AAPHERD, NRPA, and others. I was truly honored to receive an official Council jacket from the Governor, Jake & Kenny as an Honorary Member! Melissa Johnson presented me with a beautiful gift from the President's Council. Jay Daniels, my team member & friend, also won Member of the Year and presented his hand-crafted custom pens to me and others. A special STAR award for chairing this wonderful conference was also awarded to me. A special Thank You to everyone! |
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Girls Boardfest Huntington Beach 2007 The All Girl Action Sports, Music & Empowerment Festival was held at the Huntington Beach Pier over Labor Day Weekend. Though a record heat wave topped 100 degrees, tons of snow was placed every morning on the beach and snowboard rail jam. 22 year-old professional snowboarder Chanelle Sladics took girl power to new heights in winning the first-ever cross-over sporting competition featuring surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. Sladics defeated pro skateboarder Heidi Kreis and pro surfers Holly Beck and Allison Arvizu to capture the endurance-testing title. There were surf and skate clinics with live entertainment with more than 100 athletes, 350 surf/skate clinic participants and 100,000 spectators! |
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LA Marathon 2007 We had fun following the racers at the LA Marathon in March. Honda sponsored the race and again supported Students Run LA. The Students were so motivated and their training surely paid off. The Honda Team with my friend Dan Montgomery and his friends had his wife Karen and us cheering, screaming and clapping. The 26 mile course was completely revised, so we had to find our way driving to the mileposts that were quite different than last year. Our views from Hollywood and Vine were wonderful. I asked a very nice LAPD cop to move his butt out of my picture as I captured the spectacular wheelchair racers' determination. Thank you Mr. Nice Police Officer and all the great LAPD for your work and efforts for this event! |
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Love Ride 2007 with Jay Leno This year’s Love Ride had a new route and venue as part of the inaugural California Bike Week at the Fairplex in Pomona. Thousands of bikers braved the threat of rain to raise over $900,000 to fund local children’s charities, while $20 million+ was raised over the last 2 decades. Founder Oliver Shokouh and his Glendale Harley Davidson dealership act as host every Nov for the world’s largest one-day motorcycle charity event with Grand Marshal Jay Leno and Peter Fonda. Musicians included All-Star Band with Robby Krieger (The Doors) and Rock ‘n Roll Hall Of Fame Gregg Allman. |
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Women Senior Olympics 2007 Our women from Huntington Beach, California and vicinity did an outstanding job at this year's Women's Senior Olympics. Congratulations to Mary Beth, Jan, Paula and team, and especially Ellie who inspires us all! I have a ton of fun playing with you and the other women at the gym and the beach. When I teach people that there are no excuses for not being active, I think of you out there winning medals and competing. No matter what injuries you have endured, or what pains you feel, you play. The Senior Olympics recognizes all those 50+ who stay active and play with passion. The competition, friendship and fun are truly motivating. Thank you for being inspirations to all of us in the U.S.! |
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Kids Run Pacific Shoreline Marathon 2007 Youngsters sprinted past the starting line for the Kids Run at the 11th Annual Pacific Shoreline Marathon held in Huntington Beach "Surf City" in February. The children were all smiles and showed commitment and determination to get their medals at the finish line. 300,000 spectators watched the Marathon including the half marathon, 5K and Kids Run. There were 1,320 volunteers to help out at the event that donated $25,000 to chairities. |
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Pacific Shoreline Marathon 2007 The 11th Annual Pacific Shoreline Marathon was held in Huntington Beach "Surf City" in February. Over 13,376 runners donned a racing bib for the largest Pacific Shoreline Marathon, half-marathon and 5K yet. Among these were four wheelchair racers and runners from 19 countries. Five racers broke the half-marathon course record and the Free Wheelchair Mission which raised $500k from runners, will give 11,000 wheelchairs to people in indeveloped countries. |
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Race for the Cure Newport Beach 2007 Pink flowed thoughout the 16th annual Susan Komen Orange County Race for the Cure. For the dozen years I have lived here, I was blessed to participate in my 12th race to celebrate the lives of my sisters who survived breast cancer and those who passed away. More than 24,000 people registered including 2,000 breast cancer survivors for the 5k course around Fashion Island. The event raised over a record $3 million for breast cancer treatment, education and research programs. Each year, about 2,000 Orange County women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 300 die from the disease. |
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US Open Surfing Huntington Beach 2007 The US Open Surfing championships took place in Huntington Beach, California. Other sports like Motocross, Skateboarding and Bicycles took place. Thousands of Spectators showed up for a long weekend of fun and festivities. Lots of Fun. |
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(1956-2006) President Council's 50th Anniversary The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports celebrated its 50th Anniversary and Nat'l Physical Fitness and Sports Month in Washington DC at RFK Stadium on May 6th, as the 3rd Healthier US Fitness Challenge. The Harlem Globetrotters performed and signed autographs. Sports and fitness experts had exhibits, classes, interactive sports and games, free health screenings for all ages and abilities. PCPFS Exec Dir Melissa Johnson and Christine Spain, Dir Planning, Res & Spec Projects conveyed our Nation's strong commitment to health, physical activity, and fitness. The HealthierUS Veterans kickoff took place and honored guests and celebrities spoke at the event's close. Both kids and adults had fun! |
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American Lung Association Asthma Walk 2007 The Orange County American Lung Association's "Blow the Whistle on Asthma" Walk took place at the Irvine Spectrum. Many walkers showed up to give support and raised the much needed funds for asthma research and education. Lots of volunteers worked and gave their much appreciated time. We met alot of nice people and families and it was a wonderful event! |
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BAD Ride Bikers Against Diabetes Calif 2007 Rip's BAD Ride continues for 10 years and is a motorcycle fund-raising ride and family festival of the American Diabetes Association raising $520,000. Rip Rose, biker and Easyriders photojournalist, passed away and his dream is a reality. Christian Motorcyclists Association CMA Chapter Calvary Riders, Orange County, had a booth again and many members volunteered for the event. I volunteered at the booth greeting and speaking with thousands of bikers. This event unites the biker nation in the fight against diabetes with a full day of great riding, good entertainment, delicious food, and lots of activities. |
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Bogifit and Congresswoman Sanchez Meet CA 9-07 Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez from the Calif 47th Congressional District learned about how some children in her district keep themselves physically fit and their successes in sports conditioning, general conditioning and weight loss. Bogifit has formed partnerships with PowerPlay MD-OC and Active Living and now offers the first full service, medically supervised weight loss program for children and teens in the nation. Bogifit Youth Conditioning Center is dedicated to the health and fitness of ages 9 to 18 young people. |
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CA State University Fullerton 50th Anniversary 2007 California State University Fullerton celebrated its 50th anniversary. The festivities included open houses hosted by all 8 colleges, alumni homecoming booths, special historical attractions, "mock" elephant races, food booths, live music and fun for the entire family. President Milton Gorton cut the big birthday cake while sporting one big smile. I checked out the fitness center and exercise physiology labs, as they were added since I graduated from CSUF in 1998 with an M.S. in Kinesiology. I studied under some of the most dedicated and committed Professors in the field of Health Promotion and Kinesiology! It was also good to meet up with Congressman Ed Royce who is an alumnus and great supporter of CSUF! |
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Dinosaur Dash Tustin CA Nov 2006 The Tustin Public Schools Foundation, producer of these 10K, 5K and 2K events, raised $135,000 enhancing education in Tustin schools serving 20,500 students. The California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports endorsed it as an "event that promises to contribute to the physical activity, fitness levels and well-being of Californians". The event attracted over 7,100 participants with 60 percent under age 18. Thousands in the community came out to play games, exercise, listen to music, and eat good food. One of the largest children's races in the country, Dino Dash was spotlighted as a 2006 Awards Winner and presented a bronze medal by the California Governor's Council for last year's event. |
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LA Marathon 2006 Honda again sponsored this spectacular race. Employees Dan Montgomery and his friends did it again! We followed from the 1 mile point at Staples Center to the finish line near the Bonaventure Hotel where Honda's Hospitality Room was. What was truly amazing were those men and women who overcame their adversities. They raced on crutches, wheelchairs, cycles and even skateboards. Then there were those who pushed children with diseases in strollers and wheelchairs. What awesome passion and determination! |
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Love Ride 2006 with Jay Leno This year's 23rd annual Love Ride raised money for more than 30 charities including Special Olympics, Musular Distrophy & March of Dimes. Jay Leno, Grand Marshall, led 17,000 bikers to Castaic Lake, the 50-mile destination from Glendale Harley Davidson. This event is the world's largest one-day motorcycle fundraising event raising $1.5Mil. I-5 overpasses had applauding supporters and American flag wavers. Our Christian Motorcyclists-Calvary Riders OC Chapter did a great job greeting bikers at our booth. |
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OC Marathon 2006 The OC Marathon benefits 11 Orange County, California Children's Charities and promotes healthy lifestyles. The events included a weekend Health and Fitness Expo, full Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K Walk/Run and Kids Run. Watching racers from around the United States and other countries participate in a race that netted $500,000 for local charities was a great blessing. There were over 12,000 racers and 20,000 spectators. |
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OC Marathon Kids Run 2006 The Orange County, Calif. Marathon included a Kids Run helping to raise money for children's charities. It was a 1.2 mile race for age groups of 11 & 12 year olds, 9 & 10 year olds, 7 & 8 year olds, and 6 year olds & under. Parents and children together participated with team spirit and a show of great support from the enthusiastic audience. The children won their medals with great achievement and accomplishment. |
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Pacific Shoreline Marathon 2006 The 10th Annual Pacific Shoreline Marathon was held in Huntington Beach "Surf City" on Super Bowl Sunday. Over 10,000 racers passed by my house on Pacific Coast Highway. Many races including a Wheelchair Race and a Kids Run took place. The Free Wheelchair Mission raised money for free wheelchairs to poor people. The early-morning fog turned into a sunny day full of enthusiasm and determination. |
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Race for the Cure Newport Beach 2006 Pink was the color of strength, hope, and survival at the 15th annual Susan Komen Orange County Race for the Cure. Over 24,000 participants went to Fashion Island, Newport Beach, Calif. and raised more than $2 million for breast cancer research. We wore signs celebrating victories of loved ones and remembered those who lost the battle. There were 2,000 breast cancer survivors, who raised the spirits of everyone, and live life after breast cancer. I participated and prayed with a spirit of faith, hope, and love and to "celebrate life". |
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Titan Kid Healthy Challenge 2007 California State University Fullerton, "Kid Healthy" Steps to Healthy Living ("Steps") Campaign, National Association for Health and Fitness, Jeff Long of HopSports, OC Dept of Ed, and partners addressed the obesity epidemic in Orange County. Kids and families enjoyed many demos, exhibits, nutritious snacks and fun activities to promote physical activity and healthy nutrition. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, CSUF President Milton Gordon, Dean Roberta Rikli, Shari McMahan, Theresa Samaniego ABC7, and many other leaders and sponsors shared the festivities. Diane and Luke Fortier loved their new Exel Nordic Walking Poles! |
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2006 NAHF Annual Conference The National Association for Health and Fitness held its annual conference in Buffalo, NY in April. The theme was Worksite Wellness. Melissa Johnson, Exec Director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, spoke about wonderful programs available for our nation. She also shared about the Pres' Council 50th Anniversary celebration. NAHF honored exceptional leaders promoting health and physical fitness. 2006 Gold Star Award Honorees included Gov. Mike Huckabee, Arkansas, Christine Spain of the Pres' Council, Amer Council for Fitness & Nutrition (ACFN), Medifit Corp Services of NJ, & Maine Governor's Council. I was truly honored to receive the 2006 Member of the Year Award! |
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American Lung Association Asthma Walk 2006 The American Lung Associaton of Orange County, CA, held its 4th annual "Blow the Whistle on Asthma" Walk at the Irvine Spectrum. The walk raised funds for asthma research and education. Volunteers and spectators cheered for the families and friends walking. I helped with the warmups and spoke about the importance of controlling asthma. |
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CMA Calvary Riders 25th Anniversary 2007 CMA California Christian Motorcyclists Association Orange County, California, Calvary Riders Chapter held its 25th Anniversary Picnic in La Habra. It was a sunny Saturday with worship, fellowship, games, eating, hitting the Pinata and getting the candy. No, I did not steal the kids' candy, just the chocolate tootsie roll pops. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day with old and new friends. I was lucky not to get egg all over me, as that is not a good game for me! |
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Christian Motorcyclists Assoc North CA State Rally May 07 The Northern California Christian Motorcyclists Association State Rally took place in May at Mariposa, CA, the gateway to Yosemite National Park. Many Southern California Chapters showed up, and several of our Orange County Chapter Calvary Riders drove up. It was a great weekend with worship, festivities, fellowship, music, games, dining out and riding up to Yosemite. The Lord blessed us with so much to be thankful for. Luke and I met there in 2004 and we celebrate our anniversary there each year! |
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LA Marathon 2005 The LA Marathon took place in March. Honda sponsored the race and provided a hospitality room in the Bonaventure Hotel. My friend Dan Montgomery ran on the Honda Team. His wife Karen and I with a few friends drove to many mile spots to photograph Dan and his friend Andy as they raced along the 26 mile course. I think we got as tired as the racers trying to find the right place at the right time and capture those special motivating moments! |
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Love Ride 2005 with Jay Leno BB King, the great Blues legend, and his band of original members played at the Love Ride sponsored by Harley-Davidson Glendale. Jay Leno, the Grand Marshall, again led a wonderful ride with thousands of more bikers than last year. Celebrities and bikers from all over the world came to support Muscular Dystrophy and other charities. Our Christian Motorcyclists Assoc-Calvary Riders OC Chapter had a booth and reached many bikers with hospitality and prayer! |
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American Lung Association Asthma Walk 2005 The American Lung Associaton of Orange County, CA, held its 3rd annual "Blow the Whistle on Asthma" Walk in November 2005 at the Irvine Spectrum. The walk raised much needed funds for asthma research and education. Volunteers of all ages worked at booths and water stations, while cheering for the crowd of families and friends walking. The support and motivation were awesome! |
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Long Beach Marathon, California 2004 Southern California's most scenic beach race took place Oct 10th. People of all races, ages, sizes and shapes participated. The events included the Marathon, Inline Marathon, Half Marathon, Bike Tour and 5K. My brothers and I, from Christian Motorcyclists Assoc. Calvary Riders, volunteered to drive the Medical vans to pick up downed runners. What a blessing to witness the racers' inspiration and perseverance and the audience's encouragement and cheering! |
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Bikers Against Diabetes - Southern California 2004 The 7th Annual Southern California Rip's B.A.D. Ride took place on June 13th. Bikers Against Diabetes was the idea of Rip, Easyriders' Magazine columnist and biker legend, whose dream continues even after he passed away. This is a big fundraising event for the American Diabetes Association. It is supported by legends, Willie G. and Bill Davidson, of Harley-Davidson®, and sponsored by Easyriders, Inc., Harley-Davidson dealerships, and others. My CMA Chapter Calvary Riders, Orange County, was blessed by volunteering and helping. |
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Love Ride 2003 with Jay Leno This year's 2003 Love Ride sponsored by Harley-Davidson Glendale was wonderful to attend again. Jay Leno, the Grand Marshall, and Peter Fonda appeared on stage with ZZ Top. More musicians, celebrities, and bikers from all over the world also came to support this year's ride that benefits Muscular Dystrophy and charities. Like last year, supporters stood on every 5 Freeway overpass from Glendale to North to Lake Castaic waving and showing support! |
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Love Ride Glendale Harley-Davidson 2002 The Love Ride sponsored by Harley-Davidson Glendale collected $1 Million for Muscular Dystrophy, Reading by 9 and other charities. Jay Leno was the Grand Marshall. 20,000 bikers rode the 50 Miles from Glendale, CA to Castaic Lake. Peter Fonda, Larry Hagman, Jefferson Starship, Sheryl Crow, Mic Fleetwood, Pat Boone and a bunch of celebrities participated. Every overpass on the 5 Freeway to Castaic Lake was filled with people waving the American flag, smiling, and supporting the bikers! |
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Monmouth County, NJ One Year After 9-11 Highlands, NJ is home to the Memoria Project that Sculptor Steven Shaheen wanted as a lasting tribute to lives lost and survivors. The statues were created in Sandy Hook, part of Gateway National Recreation Area so visitors could join this enriching and educational experience and to advance healing. The marble is from the same quarry that was used to build the Supreme Court building and Jefferson Memorial. |
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NY Ground Zero One Year After 9-11 It is the Christmas season, over a year since the tragedy of 9-11. Ground Zero and St. Paul's Chapel are heavily visited to reflect and give respect to those lost. A Viewing Wall was constructed where visitors see the work being done and view the memorials. The new Atrium illustrates the spirit and courage of New York and America with plans for rebuilding the Ground Zero site. |
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New York Ground Zero 2001-2002 I took these photos at NY Ground Zero following 9-11-01. The photos at St. Paul’s Chapel, down the street from Ground Zero, reflect visitors’ honor and remembrance. The Chapel was open to Rescue Workers. Visitors from all over the world created handmade memorials there. Many of the photos were taken from the Viewing Platform that was constructed in Jan 2002. I took the Tribute in Light photos from Jersey City, 6 months after 9-11. The skyline in New York will never be the same, but the Spirit that followed will live forever! |
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Tinton Falls, NJ 9-11 Two Year Memorial On 9-11-03, a Memorial Service was presented by Tinton Falls Fire Department. Jared Stevens' WTC Replica was a reminder of the great Twin Towers that were destroyed by terrorists on that tragic day two years ago. People gathered here to reflect and honor those victims and heroes who keep our spirit alive for healing and recovery. |
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Christmas in NY After 9-11 Christmas was solemn this year, and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani asked for support for the City. That truly happened. I grew up in a city not far from NY and witnessed more love, prayers, friendliness, peace, and hope after Sept.11th. Tears were plentiful. |
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Memoria Project, NJ 9-11 Two Years Later A Candlelight Vigil took place in Highlands, NJ, temporary home for this monument. Created for families and friends to heal and remember those lost in Monmouth County, the Statues, representing the Twin Towers, look out over the beach. The human figures sculpted within, display emotions that permeate reality. Photographed in existing light at dusk and night to witness the candlelight and solitude, without flash to disrupt the mood. |
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Freehold, NJ 9-11 One Year Tribute My second home, Freehold Township, NJ, had their dedication on 9-10. A large crowd came for the unveiling of the beautiful Memorial. It is constructed of black granite with Twin Towers each 9’ 11” tall. The 5 sides of the Pentagon base are engraved and inlaid with gold. Also enshrined inside the base are pieces of the World Trade Center. Bruce Springsteen, originally from Freehold, remembered 9-11 with his CD “Rising”. |
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NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial 2002 When the Memorial was just an idea in 1989, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Last Patrol marched from the Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Holmdel, NJ with 1,486 names of NJ POW’s, men, and women who sacrificed their lives. I was present for that march and for the dedication with former Gov. Florio in 1994. This Memorial is a lasting tribute built with many years of effort. |
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Tijuana, Mexico Mission Trip My friends and I, from Huntington Beach Calvary Chapel, Calif., worked on and painted an old building that would serve as a church. The members outgrew their pastor’s house, where they were meeting. The new church would serve as a worship area and a community center. We were truly blessed! |
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Brick, NJ Weeping Angel 9-11-02 The Weeping Angel in Brick, NJ by sculptor Brian Hanlon, leans on a tablet emblazoned with the image of the Twin Towers and an American flag. The life-size sculpture stands in Windward Beach Park where visitors can reflect while gazing out at the Metedeconk River. |
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Freehold, NJ 9-11 Two Years Later People visited Freehold Township's black granite Memorial representing the Twin Towers. They placed flowers, flags, and memories at the base, which contains pieces of the World Trade Center. The day was solemn with a bright sun, white clouds and blue skies, two years later. When business is done at our Municipal Plaza, our citizens remember. |
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NJ Cranbury, Monroe Twp, Sandy Hook 9-11-02 The Post Office in Cranbury, NJ was dedicated to the heroism of Todd Beamer, known for his part in helping to take down the hijackers of Flight 93. His words “Let’s Roll” will always be remembered. The town next to Cranbury is Monroe Township where I lived many years. The beautiful memorial represents the men who died that day from this rural suburb. From Mount Mitchell in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, you can see Sandy Hook with its old lighthouse across the bay from the New York skyline. |
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Rahway, NJ 9-11 One Year Tribute My hometown, Rahway, NJ, remembered 9-11 with thanks to honor those who displayed courage during the rescue and recovery including the City’s Firemen and Police. We are not far from New York City and we remembered those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. There was an unveiling of the new Police Statue and my brother Charlie, a police officer, spoke about honor. |
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Red Bank, NJ and 9-11 WTC Replica Hundreds of people from my Home State of New Jersey died in the World Trade Center Towers. Many residents commuted from Red Bank. Family and friends left homemade memorials on the sidewalk in front of a park. In Tinton Falls, a town nearby, a World Trade Center Replica stands outside the Fire Department honoring those lost in 9-11. |
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Red Bank, NJ and WTC Replica 9-11 Hundreds from my Home State died in the Towers. Red Bank had a homemade memorial left by family and friends. Someday there will be a permanent memorial. In Tinton Falls, a World Trade Center Replica stands outside the Fire Department honoring those lost in 9-11. |
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Southern Calif Vietnam War Memorial A 12-foot bronze sculpture depicting two soldiers - an American and a South Vietnamese - stands in honor of those who died in the Vietnam War. The sculpture created by Tuan Nguyen, stands in Westminster, Calif., the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. |
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Tinton Falls, NJ 9-11 One Year Tribute The Tinton Falls, NJ tribute took place on the morning of 9-11 at the times when the planes hit the Towers, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania field. The World Trade Center Replica created by Jared Stevens, a borough Police Office and Fireman, stood in back of the speakers as a solemn reminder. We remembered, we prayed, and we cried. |