Sad September Events

By: Veronica Leighton

 

Can’t believe that it has been seventeen years since the September 11, 2001 terrorists attacks in the Twin Towers of New York, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania, simultaneous attacks that claimed almost 3,000 fatalities. In the aftermath, born heroes for their courage, unselfish and dedicated help and service were the firefighters, police and military of this beloved country many of whom gave up their lives to save hundreds of people. We salute them!

Our editorialist, Joe Mauricio, likened 9/11 to the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii during World War II. It’s a brief but rightto- the-point editorial in memorializing and remembering that sad and catastrophic day of what is now popularly known as “9/11.” Read his editorial in this same page.

Also, in this month of September, we sadly report about the demise of Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, Jr., immediate past FACC President, 82 years old. The Filipino American community of Chicago just lost a valuable and dedicated leader who passionately loved this community that he served with so much devotion. Please read a fullpage obituary of his life, and also a mind-tickling tribute written by Joe Mauricio in his column Objectively Harsh on page 20. See picture of his bereaved family, son Glenn and family, and daughter Daisy, in front of his casket before his burial.

On a happy note, our Senior Columnist Elsie Sy-Niebar, brought upstanding unforgettable memories to her friends and relatives who attended and enjoyed her remarkable 80th birthday celebration last August 24th held at Four Points Sheraton Hotel. Our September cover, inside pages 36-37, plus her two-page column carry fascinating photographs and stories about her octogenarian life celebration. Happy, happy birthday, Elsie. May you be blessed with more happiness, health and stamina. Can’t wait for your 90th birthday celebration.

Also, don’t miss Veronica’s Vibes on page 5, featuring the Lady Titanium Nora Tsai and dancing-est couples at the PMAC Inaugural Ball plus a full-page pictorial on page 7.

Your favorite columnists in this September never fail in bringing you their most interesting column topics which you love to follow. Important note: Columnist Robert Boyer who brings to you remarkable stories about the Philippines and the Filipinos, page 31, will receive the Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame 2018 award as Friend of the Filipino category.

Reminding you, by the way, that the 24th annual gala awards ceremony is coming up soon on November 10, 2018 at the grand ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The impressive final list of this year’s well-selected and very deserving awardees will be published in VT’s October issue.

Enjoy reading this VT’s September issue, with memories of death but with many alive pictorials and stories, direct from our community’s stories, much more exciting than the Internet stories.

The surviving Crisostomo children, son Glenn and family and daughter Daisy, in front of their father’s casket, Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, Jr. at the funeral ceremony at Rosehill Cemetery.