Georgia

WWII veteran's long-lost bracelet reunited with Georgia family

Published

2 hours ago

July 18, 2024

WWII veteran's long-lost bracelet reunited with Georgia family

Georgia family reunited with WW2 bracelet

A DeKalb County family was reunited with a heartfelt memento from a loved one and a piece of history that was lost in Italy nearly 80 years ago.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – A DeKalb County family is reunited with a heartfelt memento from a loved one and a piece of history lost nearly 80 years ago and nearly 5,000 miles apart.

The silver bracelet tells the story of a love that crossed the ocean, a hero who fought in a terrible war, and two communities tied together nearly 80 years later. It started last September when Gina Burke got a phone call from Italian historian Paolo Pavoloni.

“He found the bracelet because he is an archaeologist. With the metal detector, he found the bracelet. He wanted to find the family,” Burke said.

The bracelet had her father’s name engraved, Fred C. Street. His army serial number was on the back, along with two simple words that said so much.

“It says ‘Yours Dot,’ which is my mother. It’s very dirty. When it was found, Paolo Parolari held it with gloves and hands. He said he would never take the dirt off it and recommended I do the same,” she said.

Her father served in the 10th Mountain Division in World War Two. Burke had letters her father sent to her mother all those years ago. One of the letters was dated May 1, days before the war finally came to an end.

“He says, ‘Honey, I lost the bracelet you gave me. I hate it bad. I lost it yesterday afternoon. I don’t know where I put it. I guess the chain broke,’” she recalled.

Fred Street (Courtesy of the family)

It was lost on an Italian mountainside, a reminder of the many Americans who gave their all in the war.

“My brother told me, ‘You know, Dad was on skis in the 10th Mountain Division, which is a very important part of the war in Italy. He doesn’t talk about it.’ And he did not. He would never talk about it,” Burke said.

Italian historian Paolo Pavoloni (Courtesy of the family)

Those efforts are still honored and revered by the Italian village where her father once served. Burke witnessed that appreciation firsthand when she traveled more than 4,800 miles across the ocean to pick up the bracelet and meet its finder in person.

“I was overwhelmed when I got there. They put on this wonderful ceremony where they gave me the bracelet and all these gifts. In Italy, they are so grateful. They have a day called Liberation Day,” she said.

Burke also returned to the same spot where Pavoloni found the bracelet, the spot where her father stood his ground.

“I just sat down and looked at this spot, and you can see where he dug to find the bracelet. That’s where it was – That’s where it fell off my dad’s arms – probably while he was firing back. It was the most beautiful scenery. Just gorgeous, as my dad writes about in the letters. He says, ‘This is so beautiful,’” she recalled.

Now, that bracelet is back home, a reminder of a man who kept his love close an ocean away, who’s remembered as a hero in America and Italy, and as a reminder that what is lost, is waiting to be found.

“Hope is what it represents. They were fighting for that. They wanted freedom for these people and the world. I hope that generations to come can remember that. Not let that history go,” she said.

Source link

Related Topics:Dekalb County Featured Ga Good Day Atlanta Heartwarming Instastories Military news series us

Click to comment

Georgia

Alaalatoa To Captain Wallabies In New-look Side For Georgia

Published

9 hours ago

July 17, 2024

Press Room

Alaalatoa To Captain Wallabies In New-look Side For Georgia

Allan Alaalatoa is Australia’s third captain in as many Tests

Martin KEEP

Text size

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt named his third captain in as many Tests Thursday with Allan Alaalatoa in charge against Georgia, while winger Darby Lancaster will make his debut among 10 changes to the starting side.

Schmidt appointed Liam Wright as the first skipper of his tenure for their win against Wales in Sydney this month, but he was injured and James Slipper took over for the second Test in Melbourne.

But neither were in the 23 for Saturday’s clash in Sydney against the Georgians, who are fresh off a narrow win against Japan in Sendai.

Schmidt instead opted to continue experimenting for Australia’s final match before the Rugby Championship in August, where they will start with back-to-back games against world champions South Africa.

“Georgia have proven to be a very tough team to play as demonstrated by their wins against Italy and Wales in recent years, as well as their victory last week in Japan,” said Schmidt.

“They have added some very exciting backs to their traditional forward strength and challenge opponents across the park.”

The 21-year-old Lancaster will join the backs alongside Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright.

Isaac Kailea and Billy Pollard both earn their first starts in the front row with Alaalatoa while Nick Frost returns for the first time in 2024, combining with Angus Blyth in the second row.

Harry Wilson will play his first Test since 2022 at No.8 with Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini retained at openside and blindside flanker respectively.

Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson will combine in the halves, replacing Jake Gordon and Noah Lolesio, who started both Tests against Wales.

Centre Len Ikitau returns from injury partnering in the midfield with Hunter Paisami.

Alex Hodgman has the opportunity to join rare company as just the fourth man to represent both New Zealand and Australia in Test rugby, named as the substitute loosehead prop.

Australia (15-1):

Tom Wright; Filipo Daugunu, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Darby Lancaster; Ben Donaldson, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Angus Blyth, Nick Frost; Allan Alaalatoa (captain), Billy Pollard, Isaac Kailea

Replacements: Josh Nasser, Alex Hodgman, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Hooper, Jeremy Williams, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Andrew Kellaway

Source link

Georgia

Sens. Ossoff, Rev. Warnock Delivering New Fire Safety Upgrades to Coastal Georgia Departments – U.S. Senator for Georgia Jon Ossoff

Published

16 hours ago

July 17, 2024

Press Room

Sens. Ossoff, Rev. Warnock Delivering New Fire Safety Upgrades to Coastal Georgia Departments – U.S. Senator for Georgia Jon Ossoff

Savannah, Ga. — U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff today announced fire safety upgrades to protect Coastal Georgia families.

Today, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock are delivering new Federal resources to Garden City and McIntosh County to strengthen local Fire Departments and upgrade public safety through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program.

These Federal funds can be used for professional training, wellness and fitness programs, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and modifications to facilities.

“Firefighters across Georgia put their lives on the line to keep families safe,” Sen. Ossoff said. “Senator Warnock and I will never stop championing Georgia’s heroic fire departments, and these resources will help them respond to emergencies that threaten lives and property.”

“I’m proud to have played a role in getting this critical funding secured. Our firefighters and EMS responders are some of the best and bravest among us, and every fire department throughout Georgia, especially in our rural communities, ought to have the resources and support they need to protect our communities,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

Since taking office, Sens. Ossoff and Warnock have delivered dozens of Assistance to Firefighters Grants to cities, counties, and agencies across the state— including Columbus and West Point; Augusta and Twin City; Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, Middle Georgia, Southwest Georgia, and Coastal Georgia.

Last month, Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which will re-authorize key grant programs — like the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program — that provide Federal funding to Georgia’s fire departments.

Please find a summary of grant awards below:

Organization	Federal Grant
Garden City	$226,666.66
McIntosh County	$595,276.19

# # #

Source link

Georgia

5 Georgia small towns make Most Charming Towns in America to Move To

Published

23 hours ago

July 17, 2024

Press Room

5 Georgia small towns make Most Charming Towns in America to Move To

article

Photo by Joyce Lupiani/FOX 5 Digital

ATLANTA – Five small towns in Georgia have made the list of the Most Charming Towns in America to Move To.

According to the latest Census Bureau data, Americans continue to leave big cities in droves. This trend has been attributed to the allure of small-town life, which offers a lower cost of living, better quality of life, a sense of community, access to nature, lower crime rates, and a higher sense of safety.

High 5 Casino sought to find the most charming U.S. towns and cities to live in. They evaluated 161 small towns and cities across the country, ranking them based on 22 key metrics grouped into four categories: Essentials (cost of living, safety, employment), Lifestyle (entertainment venues, amenities, access to nature, climate), Housing (affordability, home appreciation rates, housing demand), and Community (population density, educational facilities, healthcare, average age of residents).

After ranking all the towns, they compiled a list of the 100 most charming small towns in the U.S. Five small towns in Georgia made the list, with one ranking in the top 5:

No. 4 – Madison (52.05 out of 100)
No. 21 – Adairsville (44.83 out of 100)
No. 47 – Jekyll Island (42.81 out of 100)
No. 53 – Dahlonega (42.57 out of 100)
No. 96 – Helen (39.99 out of 100)

Madison is known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, scenic beauty with tree-lined streets and lush gardens, and rich cultural heritage showcased in museums and cultural centers. Its quaint downtown area features charming shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Madison’s historical significance, particularly its preservation during General Sherman’s March to the Sea, adds to its allure. The town’s unemployment rate is 3%, and the median home price is $455,000. Madison has a crime rate that is noticeably lower than average.

Adairsville boasts a well-preserved historic downtown area with 19th-century buildings, quaint shops, and local eateries. Home to Barnsley Resort and various community events and festivals, it is located near the Appalachian Mountains, offering easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. The median home price in Adairsville is $439,375, and the current unemployment rate is 0.2%. The crime rate is Adairsville is 13.3% lower than national average.

Jekyll Island is famous for its picturesque coastal beauty and rich history, including well-preserved Gilded Age mansions. Residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as biking, golfing, and exploring nature trails. The median home price on Jekyll Island is $660,000, an increase of 53.5% over last year, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Crime risk is moderate in Jekyll Island.

Dahlonega, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, is renowned for its history and landscapes. As the site of the first major U.S. gold rush in 1828, Dahlonega features a historic downtown with preserved 19th-century architecture, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. Surrounded by scenic vineyards, the town offers outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and exploring Amicalola Falls. Dahlonega’s vibrant arts scene, friendly community, and annual festivals add to its charm. The median home price is $368,166, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%. The crime rate is considered low in Dahlonega.

Helen is a unique town known for its Bavarian-inspired architecture and alpine village aesthetic. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and tubing along the Chattahoochee River. The town’s vibrant cultural scene includes numerous festivals, artisan shops, and local wineries. Helen’s charm, welcoming community, and scenic surroundings make it a delightful place to live, with a median home price of $461,000 and an unemployment rate of 2.6%. Helen’s crime rate is higher than the national average.

Other Georgia ranking stories

The other small towns/cities in the top 5 are Homer, Alaska; Petoskey, Michigan; Oxford, Mississippi; and Marietta, Ohio.

Homer is known for its fishing, museums, art galleries, educational facilities, and below-average property prices.

Petoskey scored high for affordable housing, a low unemployment rate, a low crime rate, and easy access to some of Michigan’s most picturesque and affluent waterfront communities.

Oxford has an average age well below the list average (27.7 vs. 45) and is a haven for foodies. It is also home to numerous creatives, musicians, and artists.

Marietta is widely regarded as one of the prettiest cities in the Midwest with its brick streets, hardwood trees, and neoclassical Victorian houses. The average property price is just $264,900, making it quite affordable.

Source link