12-07-2022 6:22pm

Imagine Three Days of Remembrance in one Week of Advent

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - IMAGINE THREE DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE IN ONE WEEK OF ADVENT

Ciao a tutti! (Hello everyone). This is a busy week honoring a saint, WWII veterans, and a legend. On Tuesday, we celebrated St. Nicholas Day, on Wednesday, we honored Pearl Harbor Day, and on Thursday, we remember John Lennon. These are three special days of remembrance that fall in the same week during Advent. Buon Avvento! (Good Advent)

Saint Nicholas Day, also called the Feast of Saint Nicholas, is observed on December 6 in Western Christian countries. It is the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Myra. It is celebrated as a Christian festival with particular regard to Saint Nicholas' reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American Santa Claus, as well as the British Father Christmas, derive from Saint Nicholas. "Santa Claus" is itself derived in part from the Dutch Sinterklaas, the saint's name in that language. The big Italian San Nicola festival commemorates the 1087 arrival of St. Nicholas' remains in Bari, Italy. Babbo Natale is what they call Santa Claus in Italiano. You've got to love those Italians!

Pearl Harbor Day is observed annually in the United States on December 7 to remember and honor the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States declaring war on Japan the next day thus entering World War II. In 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The joint resolution was signed by President Bill Clinton on August 23, 1994. On Pearl Harbor Day, the American flag is flown at half-staff to honor those who gave their lives. There are about 326,000 WWII veterans alive in the United States today. I hope you know some of them. I do.

Most of us know exactly where we were when we heard the devastating news of the murder of John Lennon on December 8, 1980. I was driving to the train station to head to work in New York City when it came over the radio. I had to pull off the road to make sure I wasn't hearing things. It blew me away. That was one of the worst days of my life. John and Yoko had just finished the final touches on their Double Fantasy album that infamous night. It was the only thing I wanted for Christmas that year. My brother, Gene, got it for me. I still have it.

As we head further into the Christmas Season, it's important to pause and remember those who affected our lives and inspired us to be better. Buon Natale! (Merry Christmas)

Alla prossima volta! (Till next time)

Peace and Love, (Pace e Amore)

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, there are certain people, places, and things that shape us as we grow older. Their meaning grows as we do.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - STRAWBERRY FIELDS

There's a beautiful oasis in Central Park near the Dakota called Strawberry Fields. It was Yoko's idea. Each year on December 8, people gather to pay tribute to John Lennon. Many sing his songs while others play them on the guitar. Thousands of people from around the globe come and go throughout the day to pay their respects. I've been many times. You enter just off Central Park West and 72nd Street near the Dakota and follow the pathway down to the Imagine mosaic. It might be covered in roses. It's always the coldest night of the year.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - IMAGINE BY JOHN LENNON

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today... Aha-ah...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace... You...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world... You...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

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I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write articles geared to the 60 and beyond population. Topics include human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and places I've been to in and around Bay Shore. I also write about restaurants and stores in the area. You can also watch my first Monday-of-the-month vlog, “60 and Beyond with Skylark" on my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live, that features topics covered in my articles from SLTN. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel as well as my free STLN newsletter that gets delivered directly to your email each Wednesday morning. To support SLTN, you can make a recurring monthly donation ($5 Friend or $15 Advocate) or a one-time donation of any amount. It's up to you, and it's easy to do on my feed. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.