1951: MY MEMORIES OF THE FIRST KOREAN WAR VICTIM KILLED IN ACTION

One would  think that the first area resident of the are, Sgt. Raymond Sypniewski, the first casualty of the Korean war would have been formally recognized by the Mercer-Trenton-Hamilton Township area. To the best of my knowledge, such recognition has not been forthcoming. Ray was a personal friend back in my youth. As I celebrate the memory of those brave veterans who gave their all for our country, Ray is foremost in my mind.

2011: RAY SYPNIEWSKI: HAMILTON'S FIRST KOREAN WAR CASUALTY

It is surprising that the town fathers haven't given some type of memorial to Raymond Sypniewski, our very first Mercer County Korean War hero and Hamilton Township resident who gave his all in the earliest years of the Korean conflict. I wrote an article recalling my growing up years with the Sypniewski family. Ray's sister, the lovely Elaine Sypniewski, my buddy Karl who was in Hamilton High's class of 1952, their older brother Matthew and still older brother Harry. Years ago I wrote and article in the Mercer Messenger, recalling the character of Robert Raymond Sypniewski; a dear friend who gave his all for his country. You will be in my prayers this Memorial Day weekend, Ray, along with all the other heroes who are serving, and who are, and have served our country.

1951: HELLO, RAY; IT'S ME, TOMMY GLOVER

Hi Ray, your old friend and Hartley Avenue neighbor Tommy Glover here. I just wanted you to know that you are not forgotten....well, not forgotten that is by your relatives, friends and neighbors.  You were the very first Mercer County, Hamilton Township casualty of that war that President Truman called a "Police Action. I think some are referring to it as the "Forgotten War." I think I will go with that last term, Ray. For some strange reason, your historic sacrifice has gone virtually un-recognized by your old hometown and the county we all lived in. I just wanted you to know that I, and many others who knew and loved you will never forget that you gave your life for your country.

Semper Fi, Marine!

"Tommy" Glover

2009: A NEIGHBORHOOD HERO WHOM TIME FORGOT

On this hallowed Veterans' Day, I have re-posted an article which I wrote many years ago relating to a young man from a dear family who lived just up the Hartley Avenue hill from the Glovers. Ray Sypniewski (Sip-nyeski) was a childhood friend who was the FIRST Mercer County casualty of the Korean war. Why we hear so little about this hero is far beyond my understanding. If ever an American patriot and war hero deserves a monument in Veterans' Park, it is young Ray Sypniewski.

2008: Remembering Ray Sypniewski - A True Hamilton Hero

With the approach of Veterans' Day in this pre-holiday month of November, I have chosen to re-list an article which I wrote many years ago relating to a young man from a dear family who lived just up the Hartley Avenue hill from the Glovers. Ray Sypniewski (Sip-nyeski) was a childhood friend who was the first Mercer County casualty of the Korean war. Why we hear so little about this hero is far beyond my understanding. If ever an American patriot and war hero deserves a monument in Veterans' Park, it is young Ray Sypniewski.

1950: RAY SYPNIEWSKI - KOREAN WAR HERO

It was my privilege to have been a friend of Ray Sypniewski along with his brothers Matthew, Carl, and his sister, Elaine. Ray was the first military casualty from Mercer County to make the ultimate sacrificeduring the early years of the Korean War. He was a gentleman as can be see by my article for Veterans' Day, 1989.

1951: A Reunion in Korea

Here are the two Jimmies from HHS '50, the late Jim Brennan and Jim Thomann in a press photo depicting a reunion they had while serving in the military during the Korean War. Were we ever this young?