September 2022

The month of September hold the best of times and the worst of times here at Change Warrior. September 1 is my labor day and the birth of my only and favorite child - Mahala. 

The rest of the month chronicle traumatic dates in history - this month resurrects all the old ghosts. The tragedy of the bombing of New York City's Twin Towers on September 11 here in the US and the horror years of martial law in the Philippines because of Marcos and his insatiable greed for power. 

11,103 documentary banner

As we come to the 50th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by dictator Ferdinand Marcos - another film has been produced which features survivor stories of state-sponsored violence during these terrible years of death and destruction.

the documentary 11,103 records the survivors'

tales of state sponsored violence

The film 11,103 is the recounting of thousands of names and their individual stories of how they overcame the trauma and fear of abuse they suffered from martial law abusers who tortured them.

always remember, never forget

As we celebrate and honor those who have died in service of the United States of America - our nation and its values - we are reminded that freedom and peace are the end goal here. 

Not war which we pray will be outlawed and made obsolete. We are eternally grateful for those who gave up their lives and risked much to keep us safe and protect us. May their sacrifice fuel our efforts to make this world ever better. 

devoid of integrity

For Filipino Americans who survived the yoke of the Marcoses' conjugal kleptocracy and dictatorship, September 11 dredges up too many dark and devastating horrors. 

On his 104th birth anniversary, the scourge that is Ferdinand Marcos may be long dead. Yet his wife and spawn remain a Philippine treat and bleeding canker. Living on to perpetuate their entitled fantasies, empowered by all their ill-gotten wealth and boundless greed. 

Marcos family thank Duterte for honoring their patriarch

Even now, the Marcos minions are relentless in their fanatic frenzy to rewrite history in the name of their doomed dictator. 

The failed and current president of the Philippines is one of them and with their money and support has grown into another horrible political figure. One that is bleeding our county's coffers dry as its citizenry die in droves due to the world's worst disastrously mismanaged COVID administration. 

grand cabal of corrupt Philippine politicians

When will this reign of terror ever end? 

100 years commemorating veterans all over the world

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day and commemorated the end of World War I. Unlike Memorial Day, when we remember those who gave their lives for our country.

Veterans Day NYC Parade

On 11 November 1918 the Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Several wars later and many date and some name changes after, we share this day's commemorations with several other countries.

make peace not war

Today we remember and honor those who have died in service of the United States of America, our nation and its values.

We recently read that the US has only had twenty one years of peace throughout its brief history. Here is a list of America's major wars from 1776 to the present.

Having only recently celebrated Mother's Day, our attention goes to the mothers, wives and daughters who mourn the loss of their loved ones this Memorial Day.

The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states.

The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I.

When the holiday changed from honoring those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.

Today we ask our readers to voluntarily observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect. Take a brief break from whatever you are doing for a moment of silence or prayer.

Wherever or however you spend your Memorial Day weekend, choose to move forward and may peace be with you.

Memorial Day

memories. . . .meanings. . . .memorials. . . .

"Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was instituted after the Civil War to honor war veterans, and was eventually made into a day of remembrance for all who died in service to their country. Today, the holiday is part of the three-day weekend signaling the beginning of summer." ~ PBS.org

whatever your story or belief this Memorial Day weekend is a good opportunity to take notice and assess

drop the drama and whatever baggage attached to it and approach this with a beginner's mind - fresh, clear and open hearted - to allow greater possibilities to unfold

start a future where your dots connect differently - bringing more "AHA!"s than "oh shit!"s

may our days prove more memorable - now and forevermore