Providence Police Pipes and Drums Fundraiser

Last night was the Providence Police Pipes and Drums Fundraiser at the Whiskey Republic in Providence.

Jerry was one of our early supporters at our first fundraiser.  He attended the opening Providence College Basket Ball game which was our first real public outing with our Kilts.

We exited the court playing the Marine Corps Hymn.  Jerry immediately shot to attention from his seat. Something all Marines will do on hearing the Marine Corps Hymn.

Lead Tip Drum Sergeant Carl Weston and friend of Jerry made it clear last night that we would salute Jerry.  Band president Sgt. Roger Aspinal announced before the Military set that it was the 68th Anniversary of the Flag Raising at Iwo Jima.  Many  MARINES present  started howling out the Marine Corps Battle Cry.  OOOHHH RAAAHHH!

Here is a clip of the military set played to a packed house.  Jerry would have loved this:

Semper Fi birthday!

Jerry's son-in-law, Frank Moody, sent along these pictures of Jerry at the recent Marine Dinner. Frank writes in the email:

These are some photos from the 234th Marine Corps Birthday Dinner.  My Partner Steve has taken your Dad now for the last three years.  He sits with the Providence Police Marines.  I have to tell you, I'm not sure who looks forward to it more.  Them or your Dad.   One of the guys has posted the photo of the CREW on Facebook.  He refers to your father as the elder gentleman who was at Iwo Jima.  He equates the evening as dining with a ROCK STAR!

Needless to say, Jerry did have a good time.

The cake:

Note: The icing was 'corrected' to show the proper year.

Jerry and Steve Cileli: 

The full table of Providence Police (all former US Marines) with Jerry:

Semper Fi!

Hurricane 1938 & Bridges

Jerry talks about the 1938 Hurricane being out of school, his sister* and brother loosing cars to the flood during the Hurricane Carol (1954). Bridge safety in Pawtucket with the I95 bridge in for repairs now.

Time: 7 minutes, 19 seconds



MP3 File

* at the Library gathering March 30th, it was confirmed that Helene lost her car. We'll need to capture the rest of the story as the car she got to replace it was a "hurricane car" that wasn't supposed to be sold.

Blizzard of 1978 - 2

Jerry talks with Steve about the Blizzard of 1978. Steve shares the story of his weekend trip to NYC. Jerry talks about Ted & Mary walking to a PC game.

Time: 4 minutes, 47 seconds



MP3 File

Jerry's Story: Working in the Neighborhood

Jerry talks about working for the paper merchant, loading stock from the 3rd floor, riding the truck to deliver in Providence.

Time: 4 minutes, 18 seconds



MP3 File

Trackless Trolleys and Streetcars

Jerry talks about the street cars and trackless trolleys and traveling between Pawtucket and Providence. He also mentions the Outlet Store and its cartons of suits.

Time: 5 minutes, 50 seconds



MP3 File

Passing lunch buckets during the sit down strike

Jerry talks about when he and other kids in the neighborhood would pass lunch buckets through the windows to the workers involved in the sit down strike. Of his father's trip on the first bus to Providence. Of the man "at the end of his blood".

Time: 5 minutes, 48 seconds



MP3 File