POSTAGE stamps are not mere proof of purchase for transport of letters and packages. In a very lasting sense these colorful little pieces of paper are a reflection of a country’s history, priorities, heritage and love. 

Experts say they are marvelous teaching tools and I agree. A good deal of my interest in history, geography and science was the direct result of a stamp collection handed down by my parents. My interest in the field endures to this day. 

The U.S. will be issuing a postage stamp in honor of President Reagan. Having the experience of the Irish philatelic system I contacted the Philatelic Bureau of An Post, the Irish postal service, by e-mail on Friday, June 11 to formally propose the issuance of an Irish stamp honoring President Ronald Reagan. 

Four minutes later Dublin acknowledged my proposal, referring it to the committee which decides philatelic subjects. Later I began communicating with members of the Irish government on the matter.

Several years ago while on the way to an All-Ireland hurling match I made a slight detour to Ballyporeen, Co. Tipperary, the home of President Reagan’s not too distant ancestors. Thus in scores of trips to and from Dublin I would recall the Reagan connection. 

I would also recall the famous Shamrock Summit in Quebec where President Reagan formed a close bond with the Canadian Prime Minister, M. Brian Mulroney, another descendant of Irish immigrants.

I’ve only been to two presidential “homes” — FDR’s Hyde Park and Ronald Reagan’s Ballyporeen.

Ireland has had many beautiful stamps with American and Irish American subjects, and it would be most fitting that a Reagan stamp be issued not only in recognition of heritage and spirit, but his immense contributions to the safety and security of the world. A joint issue with the U.S. might also be possible, but I will leave that up to the experts.

And expert they are. Witness the lovely stamp issued in 2003 honoring Commodore John Barry, a project which began with a letter sent on behalf of the Commodore Barry Club of Brooklyn. Hopefully, my letter will bear similar fruit. 

Anticipating the first day covers and postmarks on the first day of Issue, I know those at the Ballyporeen post office will handle it very well. 

Dennis McMahon

Burlington, Vermont

God Bless Carvill

OVER the recent Memorial Day weekend family members shared stories about how our late father typically described his World War II experiences. Having been called to serve with the U.S. Army Engineering Corps, my father, like many sons of immigrant fathers, answered his duty in 1941 to defeat Hitler.

The bonds formed between fellow service members and their personalities were two common story themes. Yet, the most important lesson he taught us was that war, even when it seemed necessary, was hell. And, he was right.

The hellish grip of war has taken another too soon. Frank Carvill was one of the kindest, thoughtful, most gentle men you would want to meet. His dedication to helping immigrants acclimate to life in the U.S. and his commitment to his country were exemplary. 

His bright smile, his easy laugh and his genuine good nature could sooth anyone’s anxiety. He’s a credit to his family, to the Irish American community, and to his brothers and sisters in the service.

May the Lord bless him and keep him, may His face shine upon him, and may Frank’s soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. The Good Lord now has another helpmate to remind us how we should live in goodness.

Regina K. Robinson

Auburndale, New York

A Flag for Frank

IT is Sunday, late morning, June 13, 2004. Tomorrow is Flag Day. 

Yesterday was the funeral for my friend of more than 31 years, Frank Carvill — Staff Sergeant Frank T. Carvill, for 20 years a member of the New Jersey National Guard. He and four other soldiers were killed June 4 in an ambush attack on their supply convoy in the Sadr City section of Baghdad.

Frank’s multitude of friends and family came together for his visitation two days ago, then his funeral service and burial yesterday. All were joined and supported by his extended family from the National Guard, the Irish community and the Port Authority, for whom he was working as a paralegal when he was called up. 

What I came to realize as a result of talking with others and from reading the numerous printed accounts was that we all thought we knew Frank when, in fact, there was much more there than any one of us knew. 

Not one of us, not his mother, sister or brother, not his longtime girlfriend, not his best college pals, none of us really knew the whole story behind Frank.

As we each contributed bits and pieces of particularly recent items about Frank, we learned more. We were taken aback to learn about a girlfriend none of us seemed to know existed in spite of occasional chiding of Frank, like, “So Frank, anybody special in your life? When are you going to settle down?” To which he would chuckle and respond vaguely or allude to dating someone.

Or the fact that he asked that an LSAT study guide book be sent to him so he could feel productive and “not waste time” during his off hours while on active duty, and so that he might finally get serious about going to law school upon his return to the States. 

Or his incredibly deep commitment and involvement in the Irish community for which he had been recognized widely. It is as if Frank gave each of us little pieces of himself to know and Cherish.

There was so much to Frank that he had to dissect it and share it almost sparingly. However, put them all together and we are only now finding out how very deep and wide the river ran through Frank’s life, touching an enormous number of people.

There were two qualities in common that we all shared. The word “no” was not in Frank’s vocabulary and his ever-present infectious smile and laugh touched absolutely everyone he knew.

By profession I am a music journalist, typically with pen, paper and camera at the ready. Driving among the hundred or so cars in the procession from the church, past Frank’s house and then down local streets leading on to the New Jersey Turnpike, there was an image that will remain with me for the rest of my life, not in a photograph but in the memory of my mind’s eye.

We slowly passed by a small group of people who were gathered along the side of the road exiting Carlstadt, Frank’s hometown. Each held an American flag while standing at attention and saluting, one older gentleman on his knees doing so. 

Frank’s brother Dan was behind the wheel of the vehicle ahead of mine, I believe the van that belonged to Frank. I saw Dan brake lightly as he came upon this group, and he turned and returned their salute with fierce pride, then continued.

The son of immigrant parents, Frank believed in this country and was a true patriot. And although he did not support the government’s decision to go to Iraq, he went when called up because it was his duty.

Raise your flag on Flag Day. Do it again on Independence Day, Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. 

Do it for Frank and the thousands of others who have given their lives in service since this country was founded. Raise your flag because you are an American.

Stephanie Ledgin-Toskos

Piscataway, New Jersey

Moving Tribute

I DIDN’T know the late Sergeant Frank Carvill personally, but I was so moved by your tribute to him in last week’s issue of the Irish Voice. He was obviously a wonderful Irish American and a true patriot.

What a shame that an unjust, unnecessary war brought a premature end to his precious life, and the lives of a countless number of others. This insanity must stop now.

Vincent McGinty

Chicago, Illinois