When Stephen E. Ambrose named his book on the history of the men of the remarkable Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division during WWII he chose Shakespeare as his inspiration. In Shakespeare’s Henry V, the King speaks before the Battle of Agincourt, facing what seemed like insurmountable odds, facing a superior French army. Yet Henry’s army went on to victory, empowered by his words of encouragement, “…We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother…”
As Ambrose’s Band of Brothers were men assembled from all over the United States, to join in the noble cause of literally saving the world, so the cause of saving our inner cities from the ravages of foreclosure has brought together as diverse a group, literally from around the world.
If there is anything positive that I will take away from the fight to save the communities in Newark/Urban Essex, it will be the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the best and brightest that our society has to offer. Like the men of Easy Company, today’s Band of Brothers and Sisters has chosen the noble cause, the hard fight, over the pursuit of material gain and self grandeur.
If there is anything positive that I will take away from the fight to save the communities in Newark/Urban Essex, it will be the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the best and brightest that our society has to offer. Like the men of Easy Company, today’s Band of Brothers and Sisters has chosen the noble cause, the hard fight, over the pursuit of material gain and self grandeur.
This Band is made up of residents of Newark and Irvington to fellows from Germany and Poland and San Francisco. They come from City Halls, from the Ivy League to Ivy Hill. They are a kaleidoscope of color, religion, and national origin. Some are young and some are old with every age every age in between.
There are educators, planners, administrators, realtors, builders, lawyers, social workers, students, pastors, consultants and dare I say even some community organizers.
The battle is joined and, as Henry’s Army in 1414 and Easy Company in 1944 did, we will prevail. I am proud to be part of this Band of Brothers and Sisters; having joined with people I can call friends!
The battle is joined and, as Henry’s Army in 1414 and Easy Company in 1944 did, we will prevail. I am proud to be part of this Band of Brothers and Sisters; having joined with people I can call friends!
As Shakespeare’s Henry said:
” This story shall the good man teach his son; And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered- We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now-a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.”