KEEP OUR SOLDIER'S CANDLE BURNING

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

 

Growing up, I always looked forward to Christmas Eve night, when my father would call us all to the porch and light a candle to place in the window.  The candle was to light the way for the Holy Family and to show that we always had room for them at our house. I love this tradition, but this year, I'd like to change it a little. I'm sure the Holy Family won't mind at all!   I'd like to invite you to join me in keeping a light in the window for our soldiers, still overseas, who won't be able to be with their loved ones this Christmas.

There’s a candle in the window
For our soldier off at war,
Standing constant vigil ’til
His foreign tour is o’er.

The sentinel stands faithfully
Through day and dark of night,
Reminding all who look its way,
To pray for Freedom’s fight.

For safety and for courage,
And for wisdom do we pray;
That God may grant him all these things
As his Comrade day by day.

Now stand, O Candle, bright and tall,
Alert us all, each one,
That the price of freedom is not cheap,
And its battle not yet done.

So light his way and burn for him,
And for his safe returning;
Our love will be the fuel that keeps
Our soldier’s candle burning

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

It’s that time of year again! The holiday that I love to recall from my childhood! No, it’s

not Christmas or Halloween! It’s Saint Patrick’s Day!

Growing up in Brooklyn had many advantages. First, we had the best food anywhere!

There were Jewish delis, Italian, Chinese, and Greek restaurants, and food stores of every

nationality in between. My neighborhood was largely Irish and Italian and we reaped

the benefits of both rich cultures. Our school was closed on Saint Patrick’s Day so we

could all celebrate and watch the parade. The smell of corned beef filled the streets and

ally ways all day. You had to wear green or be pinched, and the Knights of Columbus,

where all our fathers were members, served green beer. The windows of our homes

had shamrocks, harps and leprechauns taped up and for breakfast – Irish Soda bread of

course! It was a wonderful time to be proud of your heritage, sing the old songs that my

father loved, and enjoy being Irish (even if you really weren’t).