Bob's Blog

Being from a large extended hispanic (third-generation American family), we are very proud of our heritage.   My Dad grew up in a household of 10 boys, and one girl.  You always hear stories that American families have always been very patriotic and have gone off to fight wars very willingly for the love of their country.  The stories and movies have all played on this – “Saving Private Ryan”, and others.  However, this is one of those stories where no other American family could be more proud of their own; and I want future generations of Collazo families to know what their past generations went through…. I want the world to know that during World War II, my Dad’s three older brothers, Pete, Rudy, and Ignacio, were part of the “Greatest Generation”, who went off to fight for their country, and we salute them!

Now, what are the odds that two brothers joining the service, one going into the Army and one going into the Air Force, would each join the service in Laredo, Texas, and then meet each other – three years later half way around the world in the Philippines?  That was exactly what happened to two of my uncles during World War II!  I’d say that was a miracle.  Was this a chance encounter?  How did this happen?  I will try to obtain more information to this very interesting true story.  Stay tuned for more updates on this!

We buried Ted Kennedy today, and are again, faced with sadness,
I say, thank God, that at least he was a grandfather, where his brothers did not live long enough to enjoy that experience.
It seems at least there was not as much pain as in the earlier tragedies,
For he lived a complete full life, and somehow I am lifted to know that.
Watching all the eulogies, it seemed he did more than most.

Could it be that he fulfilled what his Brothers could not?

I am reminded again of the great work started by JFK and Bobby, why had we forgotten?
It seems good that so many came to say goodbye while Teddy was in repose;
So fitting that all three brothers be laid to rest so close.
Gives me comfort in knowing that he is together once again with all his family,
At the helm of his boat at sea with them and can now roam.

So sail on Teddy, you’ve done well for your family & country,
Charter your course, and sail on, sail on home.

Robert Collazo, 8/29/09.