It is my hope that this blog will inform, inspire and enlighten whoever visits. This is the place where I chronicle and curate the things that are important to me. Of course you will see me doing silly things here too, I am a total dork after all. A good blog will show humanity and hopefully peace. Thanks to you for spending time here. Keep on blogging.
Tag Archives: People
The Fallen Marines of Chattanooga
These are the United States Marines who were killed in Chattanooga, TN yesterday. Thomas Sullivan, Skip Wells, Carson Holmquist, and David Wyatt gave their lives to the service of their country. Semper Fi to these men and to all Marines past, present and future.
Love Today
For all that is holy and good and right be sure to love your neighbor today. Evil, prejudice and hate are snuffed out by love. Make today a new day.
Did Yesterday Really Happen?
Yesterday four marines were killed in Chattanooga in a domestic terror event at two different military installations. This morning I ask myself did this really happen here. Thursday seems like a long time ago but it was just hours ago. One thing I can say is that I remain a proud citizen of this great city. We are all “noogastrong” and “chattanoogastrong” today. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who were killed and injured, including the person who committed this crime. Now the healing process begins for our city and we resolve to live our lives like we normally would.
Our paper The Chattanooga Times Free Press has continuing coverage. Click here for more on yesterday’s events.
I Am, We Are Chattanooga Strong!
Today has been one hell of a day in Chattanooga, TN. I have lived here most of my life and this was something I never expected to happen. A young man who immigrated legally here from Pakistan decided to shoot up a Marine recruiting office and then made his way down to a Naval Reserve Station. For more info from CNN click here.
I am kind of stunned by the whole thing. How and why are questions being asked by local, state and federal officials. The president even made remarks from the Oval Office about today’s tragedy. The shooter and I graduated from the same high school many years a part. One thing I know is that we came together as a community. People came to donate blood because it was something they could do. They prayed for those who were lost. We showed concern on social media.
Chattanooga rallied today for one another like we do in this country. I work for the local blood bank and we saw an outpouring from our donors like we had never seen before. People from all walks of life came to help. I am proud of my city. I love my city. I am, we are #chattanoogastrong
A Ramble About Courage
Courage is something that is different to different people. Being courageous for many people means being yourself and being authentic. In the case of Caitlyn Jenner it means finally living life on your own terms and making life changes that not everyone agrees with. She is now free to be the person who inside has been wanting to be for many years.
Some people have a problem with her receiving the Arthur Ashe Award at the Espy’s and they have the right to think that. However when you diminish or tear down the courage of one person you do it for others who are in their own right and life courageous. Not everyone is a war veteran or a first responder who march into danger to be a hero. Some of us show courage in just getting up in the morning and doing our work without the fanfare of an athlete or actor.
The transition from Bruce to Caitlyn is one that was done over many years and with some fear because not everyone understands or accepts that change in her life. Maybe we should strive to be more empathetic, sympathetic and graceful in our lives so we can understand people and accept them for who they are and who they want to be.
Remember our world is changing, people are changing, faith is changing for those who have the courage to keep up with it all I salute you. To those who choose to be mired in the status quo I do feel for you there is an exciting new world that is not falling apart but creating something beautiful and real.
The Tony Burgess Blog 