New York City Fleet week! And hopefully the beginning of summer with sand castles!!

It's fleet week in NYC! yay! There were a lot of different festivities this year but the one that I thought was fun and interesting was that of a sand tribute to the troops. There was 60 tons of sand brought into Times Square where it was made into a really neat monument paying tribute to the troops. I'm really not sure how to explain this wonderful piece of art so instead I am linking some videos below where you can see the process of how all this came together. A little something different, fun, and original in supporting out troops :) Enjoy the vidoes!

http://www.newscastus.com/mediablast /TravelChannel/100085/100085.html

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/memorial-day-sand-sculpture-nyc-13718385

www.fleetweeknewyork.com

Veteran's Corps of Artillery - State of New York, a little bit of history in the making...

www.vca1790.org

Hi Everyone,

I'm back and wanted to write about a really interesting organization that I met at the Brooklyn's Memorial Day parade. I was already super excited about being a part of this tradition that has taken place every year for the last 144 years but couldn't help but be intrigued by some veterans that were literally dressed up in the fanciest uniforms I had ever seen . It wasn't until I was able to take pictures with them that I was told some history about the uniforms. It turns out that the uniforms that you see in these pictures were actual uniforms of how they actually fought battles waaay back when. The Veteran's Corps of Artillery is 200 year old organization whose mission is to preserve the military history within New York  as well as support events affiliated with the military.

Having been a fashion design major, I can't help but naturally be intrigued with how clothing really does reflect the time period and can say so much about that certain era just by design alone. Every detail from the different medals to the placement of the buttons (gold buttons too!) have depth of the history. The gold eagle and the golden ropes, so much design detail in all these uniforms, I thought it was really interesting to share. Below I added some pics of the uniforms of now and then below... Look how much has changed! 

Uniforms then and now...

Spending Memorial Day with our Troops! :)

Today was such a treat- the day started out a bit rainy, but all in all it turned out to be the warmest day New York has had in a long time. Everything started at 6am when I had to be up bright eyed and bushy tailed to prepare for Brooklyn's 144th Memorial Day Parade.
Not only were there A LOT of people awaiting the festivities but we also had many city councilmen that were all supporting the parade. It was quite exciting. I was originally supposed to ride in a WWII tank but well lets just say that things happen, and instead we got re-routed. With that mentioned, I rode in the same car of Brooklyn's District attorney, Mr. Charles J. Hynes. 
Soon after, we ended in the Canon Park where there was a ceremony honoring all our veterans. We heard from council men, veterans,and also had an opportunity to see a wonderful memorial that was arranged by the US Hockey Team. It was quite touching as they had four LARGE binders of all the local fallen service men/women that we were honoring today. After the ceremony I was invited to the America Legion to a light dinner with all the participating Marines, Sailors, Councilmen, and everyone that was a part of the parade.This is where I was able to say "thanks" to all the visiting servicemen (and 1 service lady!). Lots of pictures and lots of good memories. What a wonderful day it was today, so much to be grateful for and so much to one day look back and be able to say I was a part of it all :)  Yay! Brooklyn!

Marines, Sailors and one happy Ms. New York United States!

Brooklyn's 144th Memorial Day Parade Honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.....

Hello! Happy Memorial Day! I hope you all had a wonderful day and the weather was warm. Today was quite a exciting day as it began at 6am to prepare for Brooklyn's 144th Memorial Day Parade. I have to admit, I was a bit worried at first as early this morning it was pouring! Rain, rain, rain, and then all of the sudden it stopped! I thought for sure the parade was going to be cancelled but luckily it not only stopped raining but we had a burst of summer weather as the sun came out and made its presence known for the rest of the day. I have so much to write about for today so I'll be writing two blogs about the parade because I first wanted to write about the meaning of Memorial Day as I think that's really important. With that mentioned, I'd like to first write about a special segment that was included during the parade festivities. It was arranged by the US Hockey  Team. Basically what they have done is send care packages to the many troops that are serving our country. In this part of the parade, they also set up a small but significant section honoring all the local Brooklyn servicemen and women that have given the ultimate sacrifice- that being their life. I really wanted to pinpoint this out as I thought that this part of the parade was quite humbling. There was a table in front of the memorial set up with about 4 large binders with pictures and a biography of each service man/woman that unfortunately did not come back. As I flipped through one of the binders, I couldn't help but think how there are so many, and I couldn't help but notice how young they were. Even though there were all ages represented, many were as young 

 

as 19. They had all their life ahead of them. There is an old but precise saying that I think sums things up, which is "Freedom isn't free." Today is a reflection on not only honoring those that have fallen but also about being grateful for the freedom that we have. And in this country I really believe anything is possible. You really can achieve anything you want as there are so many opportunities that allow you to do so. All those opportunities to make all your goals and dreams come true are courtesy of those men/women that are out there every day, 24 hours, seven days a week making sure that the US stays "free." Pretty amazing work :) A big heart felt "thanks" to all those who make it possible for the rest of us to have the option to pursue all our goals and dreams - your courage is greatly appreciated...cheers,nency

Come join me as I ride in a WWII Tank in the oldest and largest Memorial day Parade in the country; the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade :)

www.brooklynmemorialdayparade.com

Hello! Wanted to mention about this exciting weekend and invite those of you who are in the NYC area to come out on Monday 30th to the largest and oldest Memorial Day Parade in the country. It is the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade which begins at 89th St. and 3rd Ave. at 11 AM. I'll be riding in a WWII tank and 5th in the parade line up- excited to be all up front and center! Here's to doing my best to make NY proud! Hope you can join me as it's bound to be a wonderful day in honoring all veterans both human and canine. :) In the meantime, I thought it would be interesting to share some facts about this amazing event as there is a lot of history behind all this....144 years in the making to be exact! Enjoy!

1. The 144th year, this is the oldest continuously run Memorial Day parade in the nation.

2. Parade originally ran along Eastern Parkway for many years and also along Prospect Park

West in Park Slope. The parade has been held in Bay Ridge for the past 19 years.

3. Participants include all Veteran Organizations in Brooklyn: the Veterans of Foreign Wars,

American Legion, Catholic War Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, Korean War Veterans,

Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Gulf War and OEF/OIF

Veterans, the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Brooklyn “Key Chapter”

American Ex-Prisoners of War. Special guests include service members who have served

in Iraq and Afghanistan and troops from the Wounded Warrior project and Hope 4 the

Warriors. Antique fire trucks and autos will also be featured.

4. Sponsored by the United War Veterans of Kings County and the Brooklyn Borough

President.

5. The United War Veterans of Kings County are the successors to the Grand Army of the

Republic and the Spanish American War Veterans, and are a constituency of all Brooklyn

Veteran Organizations joined by the National Guard, Labor Unions, Civic Organizations

and patriotic youth organizations among others.

6. Boy and Girl Scouts, Sea Cadets, Explorers and many Brooklyn High School bands

participate.

7. Parade kicks off at 11 AM on 91st Street and Third Ave. goes to Marine Ave. then up to

Fourth Ave. and over to John Paul Jones Park, for a ceremony that includes a Wreath

Laying, Flag Raising, Playing of Taps and a 21 gun-salute by Soldiers from the US Army

Fort Hamilton Garrison. The NYPD Auxiliary Band will provide music.

8. The lead Veteran Organization for 2011 is the 715 Veteran Association.

9. The 2011 Grand Marshal is Bay Ridge Community Activist and Brooklyn Eagle columnist

Larry Morrish.

10. Deputy Grand Marshals are the Ryan family of Bay Ridge: Major General Herbert F. Ryan -

NY Guard (Ret.); Lieutenant Colonel Stephen J. Ryan; Major David H. Ryan and Major

Andrew F. Ryan.

11. Honorary Grand Marshals are State Senator Marty Golden; Borough President Marty

Markowitz; and NY City Councilman Vincent Gentile.

12. Reviewing Officer is Col. Michael J. Gould, Commander US Army Garrison Fort Hamilton.

NBC Saturday Morning News Segment with NYC Animal Shelter :)

Hello everyone! Just wanted to write and keep you all updated on the new things that are occurring. First and foremost this Saturday I am excited to mention that I will be on the NBC Morning News Segment helping our homeless shelter animals find their forever home. I'll be up, bright eyed and bushy tailed as the segment starts at 6 am in the studio but preparations and shelter pick ups start before hand to help get the VIP animals that are up for adoption primped and ready for television debut. This weekend, we have two doggies and one cat that will be on the segment. Let me introduce to you Jackie, Jumper, & Leslie. Below is more information on these furry bundles of joys and stay tuned to see them Saturday morning on NBC.

Cheers,nency

Here is Jackie (A#897784) She came to us as a stray. A very young girl, who is friendly and has lots to learn from her new parents. She seems to have been shaved, so perhaps letting her fur grow out a little may be good for her. As they say “New look, new life”. She is waiting for you at the Manhattan Shelter.

Meet Jumper (A#897835) Jumper came to us as an owner surrender. It seems that they moved to a place where pets are not allowed. He is well mannered and friendly. May act a little nervous at the

 beginning but warms up to you quickly. Perhaps he is just wondering where his folks may be. He is young, and he would make himself at home in his new forever home in no time!

You can find him at the Manhattan Shelter.

Meet Leslie (A# 896795) – Leslie is a 1.5 year old DSH that looks a lot like a marble-coated Bengal . Leslie came to the shelter when her person lost their home. Leslie is definitely not the shy, retiring type. The whole time Leslie has been here, she has been Ms. Purr-sonality. She does everything she can to get people’s attention – talks, waves, rolls around and acts silly so people notice her – and it works! And she is as lovable as she is lively. After a good play session, she would be more than happy to curl up on the couch with her person for lots of love. She is easy around other cats – even one that was hissing wildly at her left her unphased – Leslie just looked and kept right on purring. She should do well in most homes.

Love 4 Animals Fundraiser, Part 2

Hello All,

And welcome back ! Today I wanted to write about an event I volunteered at for the NYC animal shelter. It was the 2nd annual "NYC 4 ACC " which is a fundraiser  held to help the NYC animal shelter. NYC 4 ACC is an animal adoption and awareness group that helps generate awareness and funds for the Animal Care & Control of NYC by hosting numerous events throughout the NYC. Thanks so much for caring NYC 4 ACC-the event was just lovely to volunteer at :)

Until Tuesday, book signing event...

www.hyperionbooks.com/book/until-tuesday/

I met Tuesday! and Mr. Luis Carlos Montalvan. This event was quite exciting for me as since it directly links to my platform, I found it not only inspiring but also encouraging to go and hear a veteran that understands the animal/human bond and how it really can help one heal regardless of the journey that one has gone through. Though out his talk about the book and his personal journey of being a veteran, perhaps the most poignant thing that stuck to my mind was that in the end when he mentioned how he hopes that others get to experience that pet companionship. I completely understood that as I couldn't help but think of my little munchkin (yes, the famous Little Miss. Sparkles that everyone knows!) and how incredibly lucky I am to have her and be able to care for her. Pets really are a joy, and being able to care for them and have them be at our side. So cheers, to the book release Until Tuesday and to many other pets and veterans awaiting to be united... the best is yet to come :)

My Pawtographed book copy