Welcome : May 2016

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Night out with the Architect-MURPH

Well this isn't really a night out architect article, more of a day out with the architect but I hope you still find this an enjoyable read. If you follow this blog you may have come across my portfolio cover on the Michael P. Murphy post office. I have always admired that building and did not know until after I documented it that it was named in honor of Navy SEAL, hero, Michael P. Murphy. I really never gave tribute or thanks to Michael P Murphy when I should have; as they say I'm a day late and dollar short in honoring this great American, however I don't give a shit-it's never too late. Did I know LT. Murphy, no. Did I ever meet him, no. How about know any of his family or friends or comrades, no. Am I a former Navy SEAL, or did I ever serve in the armed forces at least? no. The only thing in direct common is we both graduated from the same high school (Now named after him), Patchogue-Medford HS- Michael P. Murphy Campus. (Stay tuned I'll post some pics of the place)

No, I went straight to college and became an architect and I did not give to this country as did he and all the other service members. However that does not mean I have no rights to honor our military service members and to that I do give my highest honor and respect. Today I went to visit LT. Michael Murphy at the Calverton National Cemetery and I have to say what a beautiful visit.

Early April Sunday morning, drizzling rain, mild mid 50 degree temperatures, I made my way to the Cemetery, which is just about 20 minute drive from my house. I arrived and went to the directory to locate his site. With a short drive around the place I found it easy enough. Although there were no visitors save myself you could not miss Murphy's place.

How beautiful and well kept with many memento's, I felt a little bad for all the other sites that had no tributes, but I paid my respects to all the others as well.

Since I was there by myself I could engage Murphy in an audible conversation, hoping somehow he would give me some response, some signal, some how. So the words flew and having read a little about Murph. my dialogue was a bit sarcastic, (no disrespect-never). I joked about how I was unfortunately the only person to come visit him on this particular morning. How shitty life is because I only know him because he made the ultimate sacrifice. I sensed this language he appreciated and He didn't want me to leave nor did I want to leave as I was having fun with this discussion but I was getting wet and thought time up. For some reason and it's up to you to believe it or not, whether you believe in being touched from the beyond or not, I was directed by some form of providence to cross the street, I didn't know why. There I found 2 trash cans. One was labeled trash the other flower pots. In one of them I looked and found an umbrella. Please note I'm not a dumpster diver in any way and normally I do not look in trash cans. I thought "Huh, looks like an umbrella, who would throw this out? Must be broken" Well I took it out and yes you guessed it, it was perfectly working!

The "Murph Umbrella"

It opened as if bran new and I could find no defects with it. So now I had no excuse not to return to Murph. and continue our conversation, which I did. The last thing I noted and this was fitting, were these beer bottles: