Merry Christmas!

 
 

Joseph, Isaac and Grandaddy Carter. 

That's a big smile. 

Today I was honored to be a part of the military entourage invited to the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell on Veterans Day. Lt Gen Arthur Lichte, a Bronx native, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gerald Murray were the principles, but I managed to make it to the podium. Both were exceedingly amiable - real gentlemen. As we walked onto the trading floor all of the brokers, buyers, sellers, and stock specialists (all wearing patriotic ties, scarves, and American flags) greeted us with an applause that must have lasted for atleast 5 minutes. They were all eager to shake our hands and said "thank you, thank you, thank you" to as many of us as they could as often as they could as we passed by. It gave me goosebumps. All of us got a little choked up, but we managed to keep it together. Every year the stock exchange holds a two-minute moment of silence for all of the veterans that have served and are serving now. 3,000 people on the trading floor, but you could have heard a pin drop. Afterwards, we made our way to ground zero - the site of the WTC collapse. We then went to Fraunces Tavern, the place were General Washington gathered the officers that stood beside him throughout the Revolutionary War, and where he relinquished command of the Continental Army. It was truly a day of reflection. It's humbling to think of all of the patriots and Americans who have made a tremendous sacrifice on our behalf. It's an honor and a privelige to serve. I hope all of you will reflect on the blessings in your life and the freedoms that you enjoy and take some time to thank a veteran.

This is what it's all about. 

Isaac retrieves his treats. 

Join me Buzz and together we can rule the galaxay as Father and Son ... and a Dinosaur, and a Storm Trooper, and with the fearless Raggedy Ann. 

Joseph wasn't scared of Darth Maul at all. He was fascinated. 

The kids with Bishop Sanchez. 

The neighborhood kids go trick or treating on Halloween night.Isaac is the storm trooper. 

Suzanne - the UNDesperate Housewife - and Joseph "Buzz" Bates at our Halloween Party. 

Dad and the Statue of Liberty. 

Here's the NYSE and Wall Street 

The Journalism School - Home of Suzanne Bates and the Pulitzer Prize. 

Alma Mater 

Dad at Columbia University. The library is in the background. 

The Manhattan Temple. Dad and I went inside and visited with the folks at the Church Public Affairs Office. The temple is right across the street from Lincoln Center. 

When Chris and I visited here a few weeks earlier the weather didn't cooperate. No rain here today. 

The leaves have started to turn. Fall is here in NYC. 

More Central Park. 

Daddy in Central Park, just outside the Central Park Zoo. 

Joseph turns TWO! 

Matthew, Isaac, and Daddy at Nick's Pizza. It's a great brick oven place here in Forest Hills ... just a few minutes away from home. 

Daddy enjoying Joseph's 2nd Birthday Party. 

Carter Dean visits Time Square in late October. 

Daddy and Tommy think this pumpkin would make a whole lotta pie.