Dear Ellen,
Despite an incredibly busy and tiring week, Dale and I made the effort to attend the Navy Memorial’s 2010 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner. It was SO worthwhile! The honorees were all incredible…Lanier Phillips broke ground by becoming the first African-American sonar technician in the U.S. Navy — and one of the first blacks to break out of the mess steward field. He spoke eloquently about the racism he faced and the people who helped him elevate himself above it. Eddie Lebaron served with 
distinction in the worst battles of the Korean War and continues his service today with philanthropy made possible by his success in the NFL and in business. Dr. Bill Cosby was a Hospital Corpsman with the Marines and at Bethesda Naval Hospital and had made a major impact on education. All gave credit to the lessons they learned in the Navy and the expressed pride in having served. They were eloquent and inspiring and, yes, Bill Cosby was very, very funny!
Love, Jan
Jan and Ellen are identical twins who have always had an innate fashion sense. Crafting is an integral part of their lives and they stay stitched together sharing their love of knitting, family and community.
September 18th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Oh, what a wonderful event! I love it when time and space are made for exactly this kind of chance to celebrate people and their successes — it sounds like it was a great way to spend an evening.
September 18th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
You and Dale look smashing. And I am so jealous that you never have to wonder what to wear for a formal event.
Pretty wonderful to see this, and gives me hope for the future.
September 18th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Wow. Cool. !
September 19th, 2010 at 12:23 am
Any chance that’s the Great Hall in the National Building Museum? One of my favorite spaces in all of DC. Sigh… and to be there with Bill Cosby and the other honorees. Double sigh, you lucky ducks. We went to a baseball game and I wore shorts. I think my formal wear days are behind me now. After years of griping I’m surprised how I miss ‘em. xoxo