Happy Memorial Day, now that's an oxymorn if I ever heard one. Not to get to political but we are at war and the death total increases more each day. Why don't we spend this Memorial Day thinking of ways to get our leaders to stop this war instead of worrying about the family picnic that we have planned. Don't get me wrong I love picnics and it is a good time to realize and appreciate the loved ones we have. So how many of you know someone that has given their life for their country? I was too young for Viet Nam and too old for Desert Storm. I work with vets from Nam and I knew guys that went to the middle east for both Desert Storm and now in Iraq but thankfully they all are safe. Not to offend any of the older folks out there but I am a product of the 60's. I grew up watching the war on the news every night. I remember watching the reports of the protesters and I remember a banner hanging off the front porch of a house on Western Ave in Albany saying, "Remember Kent State". I tell you this because the other day I was driving down Central Ave in Colonie and at the Wolf Rd. intersection there was a protest going on. There could only have been 25 to 30 people there and the passerbys were more concerned with getting to Colonie Center then what is going on in Iraq. We are at war, our young people are dieing for what? Democracy? They held an election, a government was formed, let them police their own country. Are our children dieing for oil? I hope not with the cost of gas at record high prices. Most of our elected officials are of the age to have been a part of Viet Nam ( of the members of the 108th congress, 86 served in active duty, 59 in reserves. 30 members are combat veterans). Why is it that I can remember but they can't. It seems to me that we are mired in the same mess we were 35 years ago. What is the old adage, if you don't learn from history you are doomed to repeat it. With that all in mind, have a great day with your families.

Division Notes: Chris Bergman and I went on a scouting mission Friday night. The Social Hour was again held at Peabody's and had a nice turnout. Some wives and family were present. Chris and I would like to hold the next Social Hour at the City Tavern on Caroline St. on the roof top bar. What a great spot with a view of the downtown that you don't get from any other place. Here is the web page http://www.saratogacitytavern.com/ we can discus this at the next meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday June 7, 2007 at Tinny's Tavern http://www.tinneystavern.com/ I don't want to have the Social Hour on the next night after the meeting so let's shoot for June 15th.