Always Remember, Never Forget
“Forgive, sounds good. Forget, I don’t know I could. They say time heals everything, but I’m still waiting.”—Dixie Chicks
As I was sitting here trying to figure out how to write this post, the song Not Ready To Make Nice by the Dixie Chicks came on my iTunes. As I listened to the words, I realized this song put into words exactly how I feel about those tragic events that took place nearly 10 years ago. Thousands of innocent victims were killed that day, including my aunt, Katie McGarry Noack.
I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember hearing the news of a plane crash in New York. I remember my Dad picking me up from school with tears in his eyes. I remember the silence of the car ride home. I remember walking into my house and seeing my Mom crying. I remember hearing the news that Katie was in the tower. I remember being scared.
The weeks following the attacks were a blur. The full impact of what had happened hadn’t quite hit me yet. My mom was on Long Island with the rest of her family. They, like so many others, had hope that they would get a phone call with good news or see their baby sister somewhere on the streets in New York City. I watched and hoped and prayed that I would see my aunt be pulled from the rubble. It was the night of my 11th birthday that I came to the sad realization that Katie would never be found. It was this same night that I felt a piece of my childhood slip away.
Katie’s funeral service was one of the most emotional experiences of my life. The visual pain that both my grandparents had killed me to watch. Family and friends packed Katie’s childhood church to mourn the loss of a life taken too soon. When her eulogy was read, there was not one dry eye in the church. The cemetery wasn’t any different. Everyone had a memory of Katie they wanted to share.
People always say that one single scent can bring back memories from the past. Whenever I think of daisies, the memories of Katie come flooding back. I remember daises being woven into my hair for her wedding just six months before. I remember our trip to the top of the Statue of Liberty. I remember the movies and shopping and the endless amounts of pictures I would color for her office. Whenever I see a daisy, I think of Katie.
I wouldn’t say that September 11th has defined my life but it has definitely impacted me in a way that is hard to describe. I felt that I had to grow up quicker then I wanted to. I had to learn the cruel realities of the world way to young. I had to send my brother off to war, a war we have been fighting for nearly half my life. I had to be scared of any unknown car that pulled up on my driveway. I lived in a constant state of fear that he would never come home.
For the longest time I was angry. Why had such a horrible thing happened to such an amazing person? I just felt like we had no closure, no way to know that she was at peace. It was hard to smile or be happy when everyone I cared about was suffering. It has taken time, but I finally feel at peace.
It’s hard to believe that she has been gone 10 years. I often find myself wondering who she would be today. Each morning before I leave my apartment I look at her photo. She had a smile that was contagious and a heart that was made of gold. She would do anything for the people she cared about. She was the type of person who was the life of the party, the person who could talk herself out of a speeding ticket. She was the kind of person that was impossible to hate. Every morning when I look at her photo, I remind myself to take each day as it comes and live life to the fullest. She is my constant reminder that you never know when your time will come.
This post would not be complete without taking the time to remember our fallen soldiers. These brave men and woman gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation. Thank you to those who continue to serve and protect us everyday. Kevin and Aunt Dor, you are my heroes.
September 11, 2001 is a day that I will remember for as long as I live. I don’t think you really fully recover from the pain that you feel. You just learn to move on. Step by step, day by day, we continue to make strides forward. We continue to grow and carry the memory of our loved ones with us. Katie will always be with me and will continue to shine over my family.
Rest in Peace Katherine McGarry Noack. We miss you and love you.
Always Remember, Never Forget 9/11 
Thank You, Team USA
For the past month, the United States Women’s National Team has captivated the world with the game of soccer. Ratings for the final match of Japan vs. U.S.A broke several records and was the most viewed soccer game in history, both on the men’s and women’s side. While many believe that not winning the gold was a failure, this team of 21 women did something much more then play a game, the U.S. women earned the respect of the nation.
Ask any female athlete, growing up as a girl playing sports is different. You are constantly having to prove yourself to people. You have to work much harder for less recognition and little respect. These woman proved what female athletes can do. They proved that if you work hard enough and want it bad enough, dreams do come true. The determination that this team showed will never be forgotten. This team proved to the world that while they may play differently then the men, they still play with heart and passion and can put on one hell of a performance. This team has inspired thousands of young girls around the world. They have given girls a chance to see that it is possible to live your dreams.
So Team USA, thank you. Thank you for making critics, fans. Thank you for making non-believers, believers. Thank you for playing every minute of every game with passion and determination. Thank you for showing the world that American soccer is here to stay. Thank you making moments in history. Thank you for making each and every fan feel like the 12th man on the field. Thank you for the thrilling goals and the nail-biting finishes. Thank you for keeping us on the edge of our seats through this magical ride. Thank you for giving America a new team to root for. But most of all, thank you for representing our nation with class and dignity. For this, we salute you.
After the game both Abby Wambach and Head Coach Pia Sundhage were speechless. Can you blame them? A game that started full of passion, heart and emotion was soon taken over by drama and controversy including nine yellow cards and one very questionable red card. After Rachel Buehler’s 66th minute ejection, and things looked bleak, the Americans never gave up.
In the early minutes of extra time, FIFA 5-time player of the year, Marta, scored on a questionable offsides goal to put Brazil up 2-1. Playing a man and a goal down and with only seconds remaining, Megan Rapinoe played a fantastic ball into the box to Abby Wambach who headed the ball in the past the Brazilian keeper and tied the game 2-2 sending the game into penalty kicks. Hope Solo, who had saved a controversial PK earlier in the game, came up huge for the United States. Solo saved penalty kick #3 taken by Brazil’s Daiane, the same Daiane who scored the own goal in the second minute of the goal. Ali Krieger sealed the deal on the storybook comeback, nailing the final PK and sending the team into the semi-finals.
This quarterfinal victory comes on the day of the 12 year anniversary of the United States last World Cup title. Speaking not just as a soccer fan, but a sports fan, this game was one of the single best sporting events I have ever witnessed. The United States Women’s National Team played with passion and determination when it seemed that all was doomed. Never once did the American team think that they wouldn’t get the win. American’s all over the world celebrated as the U.S. won in dramatic fashion and advanced to the semi-finals against France. Highlights were even showed at Yankee Stadium where an eruption of cheers broke out.
Whether a soccer fan or not, you have to respect the resilience that the USWNT played with, especially after playing a man down for nearly 60 minutes. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that World Cup soccer really brings the nation together. Today was a special day. Not for just the United States players one the field, but for the nation they represent. Let’s go USA! #PressureMakesUs
The Next Best Thing…
I’ve been back in good ole’ Georgia for almost a month now and I already find myself missing the cold and snow of Bonaventure. Ok so maybe not that much, but I could go for temperatures under 90 everyday. For some reason when I came home for summer last year it did not hit me how much I miss school-this summer is different. I was so used to my everyday routine including friends, soccer, class, library, eating and of course fitting in the occasional nap. Coming home is like a whole new world. I’ve had to get used to living under my parents roof again and following their rules. I am really lucky to have awesome parents who understand what it is like coming home from college, especially Bonaventure. While being gone for a summer is tough, being home is the next best thing.
The first week I was home, I had the opportunity to go to Tuscaloosa, AL with BonaResponds to do some disaster relief from the recent tornados. As I turned off the exit to meet up the group, I could not believe what I saw. I had seen pictures and news coverage but nothing could have prepared me for that one moment. My jaw dropped as I tried to keep my eyes on the road to keep from crashing my car. It wasn’t just a building or two that was destroyed, it was a whole city. The town looked like the tornado had hit ten minutes before I arrived. Since there were no street signs, I continued to drive around lost for an hour horrified at what I was looking at. Each street I turned down seemed to be worse then the last. I knew that I was in for a long and emotional few days. The work included A LOT of tree clearing and cleaning up yard from homes that had been lifted off the their foundations. Each site we went to had a different story, each person had a different account of what happened and each person left a lasting impression. While each person was different, the reaction was always the same-thank you. These people lost everything including homes,family members and heirlooms they will never get back. Yet through all that, they continue to stay so positive. Even something as little as cleaning off a front yard brought tears to their eyes. One of the houses that we worked at housed a little boy and his mother. The whole backyard had been ripped apart with trees down and branches everywhere. As we started clearing the yard, we started to find many of the little boys toys. The look on his face each time we found a new toy of his made the whole trip worth it for me. I find that we seem to get caught up in our own lives and problems that we forget that there are people who need something as little as prayer. The people of Tuscaloosa are some of the strongest I have ever met. Because of their strength, they will recover.
Coming back home after a trip like that is very humbling. The rest of the summer has consisted of relaxing and enjoying time with friends. I recently started my internship which will start to keep me busy and hopefully put me back in a daily routine. I know that August 5 will come too soon and I will be wishing it could be summer forever. I plan to enjoy the time I have at home with friends and family and to make it to as many Braves games as possible. In fact, my goal of the summer is to meet first basemen Freddie Freeman. Thanks to some friends who are just as crazy as myself, this will most likely happen. Even though home isn’t Bonaventure, it is the next best thing.
This being Memorial Day, I would like to take the time to thank the brave men and women of our military, including my brother Kevin Burke, who make this amazing life possible. I would also like to take the time to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. I will forever be grateful.
Rare Books Wing brings a unique resource to scholars, students
ST.BONAVENTURE (April 28)—Buried in a glass-enclosed hallway in the Friedsam Memorial Library stands the second largest collection of rare books in the state of New York. This collection houses some of the oldest Franciscan study books in the world.
While many students know where the collection is, few have been inside. The Rare Books Wing, built in 2006, not only offers scholars the opportunity to research but also brings a unique resource open to all students at St. Bonaventure University.
Last night was a historic night for the United States of America. After almost 10 years, Osama Bin Laden was finally killed by the U.S. Military. This historic event was a long awaited justice for the families of 9/11 and the families of all men and women who fight in the military. I am a member of both of these families. My Aunt Katie was killed in the World Trade Centers on the fateful day. For the past 10 years, I have witnessed the pain and anger that my family has been through. I have often been told that I resemble her in many ways. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about her. She lived life with such passion and joy and always had a smile on her face. She is a prime example of how I choose to live my life.
I am also a member of a military family. My older brother Kevin enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. Since then, he has done tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been awarded two medals of valor and also received the Purple Heart. At the age of 23, he has seen more violence then one should in a life time. My brother is my idol, he is the person I look up to. He is a true American hero.
When my Dad called me to tell me the news, I could hear his voice shaking. I talked to almost every member of my family last night and all of us had a hard time keeping the tears from falling. After almost 10 years, it felt as if we could all breathe a sigh of relief. After almost 10 years justice had been served. My grandfather, a former Marine, died in 2008 and he would have done anything to be here for this day. I know he sat in heaven and watched the whole operation go down. As he would say, “payback is a bitch”.
Bin Laden’s death doesn’t signify the end of the War on Terror however it does bring a sense of justice to all families who have lost loved ones on 9/11 and through out the war. Thank you to each and every military member for continuing to fight through the years after constantly being put down. It is because of all of you that this was possible.
Last night was a night I will remember for the rest of my life. I got goosebumps watching the news and seeing Americans come together and chant USA and sing God Bless America in front of the White House and at Ground Zero. It made me proud to live in the land of the free.
September 11, 2001 is a day that I will remember for the rest of my life. My family has waited for this day for 10 years. Thank you Kevin Burke and every other soldier who fought for this day to come. God Bless America. Rest in Peace Katie. We got the bastard.
Always remember, never forget.
Keep smiling over us Katie <3
Sweet Southern Comfort
There isn’t much more in life better then being home. By the time I stepped off the plane late Wednesday night, I was ready to burst into tears in my mom’s arms. It had been a LONG day in the Buffalo airport and being sick didn’t help much. It’s a funny thing though, when your home all your problems seem to melt away. I’ve been stressed and run down at school and no doubt it’s the reason I’ve been sick. Coming home to Atlanta was the best treatment ever.
Students’ lives positively impacted by volunteering through campus organizations
ST. BONAVENTURE (April 15, 2011) - - Senior Rob Ryer originally started volunteering as a way to spend time with friends. After eight trips and a endless memories, Ryer reflects back on what has impacted him the most.
“I spotted a homeless man on the side of the street and immediately for some reason brought the man food and gave him a hug as he started to cry,” said Ryer. “I had never done anything like that so it hit me really hard as I walked away and realized the impact it left on him.”
Baseball season is finally here! The first pitch has been thrown and Jason Heyward has already hit what is hoped to be the first of many homers. It was bittersweet knowing that our beloved Bobby Cox was not the head guy in the dugout today but Gonzalez is the man for the job. I really feel that this year is going to be our year. If I hear about the Phillies pitching staff one more time I swear I might scream. So the Phillies are good, ya well, so are the Braves. Here is why the Braves can win the NL East
1) After a few years of an offensive drought, we finally have some hitters. With the return of Jason Heyward, Martin Prado and Brian McCann plus the addition of Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman the Braves don’t really have a weak spot in the order. With the power of Heyward and McCann and the addition of the young guys, we should be able to hit smash them all season. And oh ya, Chipper is healthy and ready to pick up right where he left off in August.
2) While the Phillies may have some strong big name pitchers, the Braves have one of the most consistent rotations in all of baseball. Veterans like Lowe and Hudson mix well with the younger generation of Hanson and Jurrijens. The bullpen, as usual, is strong. Venters, Moylan and O’Flaherty all got plenty of innings last season and came up big. If starters can get the run support and the bullpen can stay consistent we will have no problem competing with the Phillies.
3) Our bench has got to compete for one of the best in the league. David Ross and Brooks Conrad…does anything more really need to be said?
4) Chipper’s leadership. After the ACL tear last season many thought he should hang it up and retire alongside Bobby Cox. He didn’t want to end his hall of fame career on a fluke injury, he wants to end on top. With 2 years left in his contract, it’s no secret that his time as a player is coming to an end. The Braves, as young as they are, look up to Chipper and his experience. He is the leader of the team. It’s not easy coming back from an ACL tear at age 38. You better believe this team is gonna play for him.
5) The Braves are stronger in some areas then others, however we don’t have a weak spot. From hitting and starting pitching to the bullpen and the bench, Atlanta has the perfect combination of veterans to young guys. As long as our big guys can stay healthy we can compete with the best.
While I’m surrounded by Yankee’s and Met’s fans for the next couple of weeks, I know that there is no better place to be on a summer night then Turner Field cheering on the Braves and I am counting down the days until I can be there.
This is Atlanta. This is Braves Country.
International student-athletes gain benefits in more then just athletics
ST. BONAVENTURE (Feb. 25) - - When Jeanette Dietrich’s flight landed in Buffalo from Germany on a late August night, she stepped off the plane into a new country. She had no family or friends nearby. In the morning, she would travel to St. Bonaventure University to begin her career as a student-athlete.
Jeanette and the other 28 international student-athletes at St. Bonaventure represent the growing trend of international athletes coming to compete in America. According to the NCAA, over 16,000 international student-athletes are gaining a quality education as well as competing for their university. Athletes and coaches agreed the benefits of coming to America outweighthe risks of leaving their home country.
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