紀念抗戰七十週年 民國將軍後代波士頓憶述父親當年

民國28年8月25日上午10點，日機轟炸廣西全州，
投兩顆炸彈，一個落江中，一個落在蔣振河（見圖）
辦公室外三尺處，入土未炸，重120磅。
蔣振河其後和炸彈留影。（蔣碧如提供）

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)1945年9月9日，民國政府在南京接受日本遞交降書，8年抗戰結束。70年後，中國大陸，台灣政府，美國華人社區分別“紀念”抗戰勝利七十週年。波士頓榮光會請會員蔣碧如，憶述其父蔣振河將軍親與其役事蹟，緬懷歷史，提醒華人要自衛保國。

            和美國西岸相比，大波士頓來自台灣的華人並不多，波士頓榮光會內，有會員饒鴻章是少將，該會前任理事長殷尚堅之妻蔣碧如的父親蔣振河，也是少將。該會現任理事長石家孝的父親石邦藩則有“獨臂將軍”之稱。

            蔣碧如當天簡述其父生平，還從父親的回憶錄「瑞清憶往」，節取了遠征緬甸之役部分，和波士頓榮光會紀念抗戰勝利七十週年大會的出席者分享。

            蔣振河字瑞清，江蘇淮陰人，生於清光緒的1901年，當年是上海大學英語系學生，經于右任介紹，才加入國民黨，由吳丹忱介紹，才考入黃埔軍校步兵科，其後追隨杜聿明，在抗戰勝利前升任第五兵站分監部少將分監。

 蔣振河獲頒的勳章。（蔣碧如提供）

            蔣碧如指出，1942年時，蔣振河隨部隊移駐雲南昆明，再遠征緬甸，沿路與日軍麈戰數月。在英軍棄守緬甸，日軍阻截了他們回國之路的情況中，由於時逢雨季，道路泥濘難行，山林密蔽的讓空投補給困難，前往野人山沿途，又蟲蟻、旱螞蝗橫行，沿路不斷有官兵殞命，並在一、兩小時之內就膨脹數倍，旋即被蟲蟻啃成白骨的景象令人怵目驚心，途中還有許多人染上熱帶疾病，等部隊終於抵達印度時，已有三分之二喪命。

        根據蔣振河的回憶錄，國軍當年軍情混亂，上令不能準確下達，部分將領擅離職守，軍事佈署困難等諸多情況，幾乎無處不流露人在戰場中，隨時要做“兵來將擋，水來土淹”應對的萬般無奈。

            蔣碧如坦言，她父親算是戰爭中的幸運者之一，在抗戰期間保住性命，在抗戰後能攜眷赴台，直到1988年腦溢血辭世。

蔣碧如（右）和夫婿殷尚堅（左）與經文處處長賴銘琪
（中）在活動中合影。（周菊子攝）

            今年在中國大陸，台灣政府，美國華人社區紛紛為抗戰勝利七十週年舉辦活動之際，有BBC等媒體指出，各地“紀念”抗戰，各有底調，史觀出發點不同，讓人深思各自用意為何。

有台灣網民指出的在抗戰期間，台灣是日本帝國的一部分，是“被抗戰的一方”，有什麼好紀念的，或台灣原住民，蔣渭水及林獻堂等人的抗日，難道不算抗戰的一部分等。

當這台灣觀點和中國大陸及馬英九政府的觀點並列時，似乎點出了兩岸三地及海外華人難以團結的部分原因。

Rhode Island Family Charged with Defrauding Immigrants

Rhode Island Family Charged with Defrauding Immigrants

BOSTON – A Rhode Island woman and her two daughters have been charged with federal wire fraud charges in connection with a scheme to defraud immigrants of hundreds of thousands of dollars over several years. 

The indictment, which was unsealed this morning, charges Patria Zuniga, 53, Alba Peña, 24, and Indranis Rocheford, 27, all of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, with eight separate counts of wire fraud.  Zuniga was initially charged with one count of wire fraud in May, and has been in custody since May 13, 2015.  Peña and Rocheford were arrested at their homes in Rhode Island this morning.  They are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy today at 2 p.m.  

According to court documents, it is alleged that from 2010 through 2012, Zuniga, Peña, and Rocheford targeted immigrant victims with either no lawful status or temporary legal status in the United States.  Victims were told that Zuniga worked for immigration authorities and could assist them in obtaining lawful immigration status documents.  Zuniga’s services were initially offered to immigrant victims for $8,000 to $14,000; however, after the victims made the payments, Zuniga demanded additional funds, and threatened to have them deported if they refused to pay.  Payments were initially made in cash, but later Zuniga, Peña, and Rocheford accepted money via cash deposits made directly into designated bank accounts (including accounts owned by Peña and Rocheford), money orders, and bank and Western Union wire transfers.  It is alleged that Zuniga, Peña, and Rocheford received more $800,000 from immigrant victims over the course of the fraud.   

“Dreams of a better life and a way out of the shadows make the immigrant community particularly susceptible to abusive immigration services scams like this one,” said U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.  “The defendants are alleged to have illegally enriched themselves by exploiting the vulnerability of immigrants and their families.  This indictment should serve as a stern warning to other fraudsters that preying on the most vulnerable among us is illegal and will be prosecuted.” 

The charging statutes provide for a maximum sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000.   Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigation in Boston and Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Jordi de Llano of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

McDonald’s B-Boy Royale 2 請歐陽靖當主持

McDonald’s has named Chinese American rapper MC Jin (歐陽靖) as the host of the highly-anticipated McDonald’s B-Boy Royale 2,  New York City’s largest annual urban dance competition, taking place August 22 at NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.  Jin, the first Asian American hip hop artist to be signed by a major record label,  will also serve as the event’s special musical guest and perform tracks from his latest album.

The competition will feature 8 award-winning dance crews—3 of which feature Asian American members—battling it out for a $5,000 grand prize. Tickets are $25 and on sale now at www.McDonaldsBBoyRoyale.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area, which provides stability and resources for families so they can keep their children healthy and happy. 

CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

BOSTON - Wednesday, July 22, 2015 - The Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities today joined the New England ADA Center, Partners HealthCare and state and local agencies to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  "In Boston, we are dedicated to celebrating our diversity," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "As our city continues to grow and prosper, we must ensure that all of our residents have equal access to meaningful opportunities and experiences." "Today provides an opportunity to reflect upon all that we have accomplished, but also to reinvigorate us to overcome all of the obstacles that still remain, and to fight to make the promises of the ADA real," said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. "Overcoming those obstacles requires the continuing tenacity and expertise of a wide-range of stakeholders and strong leadership."  "Although the Commonwealth has made great strides towards broader inclusivity in the last 25 years, it is crucial that we do not lose momentum," said Lieutenant  Governor Karyn Polito. "This anniversary is a chance to celebrate progress and remind ourselves to continue fostering a welcoming and accessible environment for all." "The ADA has helped to end the segregation, isolation and discrimination faced by so many people with disabilities," said Attorney General Maura Healey. "But there is more that can be done. Today we also commit to breaking down the remaining barriers so that all people are assured the right to be full participants in our democracy, our workforce and our communities." The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. Today's celebration included a kick-off rally and march to Boston Common, as well as remarks from U.S. Attorney Ortiz, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Attorney General Healey, keynote speaker Dr. Cheri Blauwet, a multi-time Paralympian and two-time Boston Marathon Champion, and poet Lewis Morris. The events also included performances and readings by advocate and author Remon Jourdan, poets Colin Killick and Kythryne Aisling and The Berkshire Hills Music Academy Troupe. In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the ADA, the Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities held a poster contest on "What the ADA means to You." Entries were posted online and voting was open to the public to select a winner and first runner-up. The poster contest winners were announced today by Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh. Atara Schimmel, a local amateur artist and disability advocate who works on issues related to chronic pain, took first place in the contest. The runner-up poster was created by Susan Hatch, a resident of The Boston Home in Dorchester.  Winning entries were shown today on the Common and will also be on display in City Hall through the month of July. "We have accomplished a lot in the past 25 years, particularly in removing architectural barriers," said Commissioner McCosh. "However, we still have a long way to go to achieve true equality. Under Mayor Walsh's leadership, we are continually improving access and inclusion for people with disabilities in the city." Mayor Walsh is committed to creating "One Boston," where all people are welcome and diversity is celebrated. As part of this goal, the Commission facilitates full and equal participation in all aspects of life by persons with disabilities in the City of Boston, and strives to reduce architectural, procedural, attitudinal and communication barriers that affect persons with disabilities. The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Mayor. Monthly meetings held by the Commission are open to the public. For more information visit www.ada25boston.org orwww.cityofboston.gov/disability  .

Winning poster created by Atara Schimmel.

Runner-up poster created by Susan Hatch.

RED SOX’ JUNE DRAFT COMPLETE WITH 27 OF 39 PLAYERS SIGNED

RED SOX’ JUNE DRAFT COMPLETE WITH 27 OF 39 PLAYERS SIGNED;

Club Signs Every Pick in the Top 17 Rounds, and 23 of 24 Selections in the Top 25 Rounds

Club Ranks Third of 30 in Draft Investments Over the Past 14 Years

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox signed 27 of 39 players selected in the 2015 June Draft, including all 16 players drafted in the first 17 rounds and all but one pick within the top 25 rounds.  Dating back to the 2012 draft, the club has signed 75 of its top 80 overall selections. Last Friday marked the conclusion of the annual signing period for drafted players. 

The Red Sox spent $7,589,000 on signing bonuses this year, bringing their 14-year total since 2002 to $101,588,083, the third-highest in Major League Baseball despite only twice selecting players within the top 15 overall picks (2013, 2015).  Only the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals have spent more in signing their draft picks in that 14-year period.

Boston’s first pick, 21-year-old center fielder Andrew Benintendi, has already started his pro career with Short-A Lowell.  Selected seventh overall in the first round, he was recently named winner of both this year’s Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy as the best collegiate baseball player following his sophomore campaign with the University of Arkansas this past spring. 

Twenty-one-year-old catcher Austin Rei (pronounced “RYE”), selected with the club’s second pick in the third round out of the University of Washington, and the team’s fourth-round pick, center fielder Tate Matheny from Missouri State University, are also with Lowell. Tate is the son of current St. Louis Cardinals manager and 13-year major league catcher Mike Matheny.

Boston’s signings include local products Andrew Noviello, a catcher from Bridgewater-Raynham High School selected in the 25^th round, and right-handed pitcher Trevor Kelley, a native of Barrington, RI selected out of the University of North Carolina.  Both began their pro careers in the Gulf Coast League.

Of the 27 signed players, 14 are pitchers (nine right-handers and five left-handers).  The other 13 include seven outfielders, two catchers, one first baseman, one second baseman, one third baseman, and one shortstop.

Boston signed five draftees out of high school and 22 from college, including one in junior college.

The 27 players hail from 15 different states, with California (4) and Florida (4) leading the way. Two players each came from Alabama, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas.

The Red Sox also signed a native of Puerto Rico, 20^th-rounder Yomar Valentin, a shortstop from Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and the son of 16-year major league infielder Jose Valentin (1992-2007). The 17-year-old from Manati, PR is also the club’s youngest signee from the June Draft.

Attached is a complete list of the Red Sox 2015 draft picks.  Names in bold indicate the player signed.

波士頓榮光會紀念抗戰勝利七十週年 大陸同胞也來看史實紀錄片

  波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝（右一起），請謝善楨夫婦，蔣碧如，
殷尚堅夫婦與經文處處長賴銘琪（左二）合影。（周菊子攝）

(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓榮光會七月十八日在紐英崙中華公所會議廳舉辦電影觀赏及研討會，誌記抗日戰爭勝利七十週年，緬懷壯烈犧牲先賢，強調這場戰是國軍打的，紀念是為強調人類唾棄戰爭，追求和平。

經文處長賴銘琪（左立者）在榮光會紀念抗日七十週年會上，說明
自己每次都要提醒人，抗日戰爭是國民黨打的。（周菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝當天請得駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長賴銘琪，波士頓華僑文教中心主任郭大文，波士頓僑領馬滌凡，紐英崙中華公所董事阮鴻燦等嘉賓出席。放映了民國政府錄製的抗日各主要戰役影片，並安排該會會員蔣碧如憶述其父蔣振河將軍参與崑崙關及滇緬各戰役經歷，新會員謝善楨講他十五歲加入青年軍，在新22師及新六軍的廖耀湘將軍麾下，征戰印缅， 雲南的經歷。

  波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝透露曾回台灣參加一系列的紀念抗日
七十週年活動。（周菊子攝）

石家孝指出，從七七事變開始到日本投降，在這場長期抗戰中，重要會戰22場，大大小小戰役將近四萬次，不但陸軍犧牲了321萬人，平民死傷也逾3000萬，逼出了“十萬青年十萬軍”的局面，當年的種種慘烈狀況，直到今日都讓人提起來就心痛，也讓人更加關心，人類可以如何運用智慧，防止再度發生戰爭。

 波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝透露，朱立揚寫的這本
“中國空軍抗戰記憶”，一出版就洛陽紙貴，
連中國大陸人也爭相搶讀。（周菊子攝）

經文處長賴銘琪表示，他每一次出席與抗日戰爭有關的活動時，就每一次都要強調，對日抗戰是國民黨打的，第一次世界大戰中的中國最高領導是蔣介石，日本戰敗後，受降的是代表中華民國的何應欽將軍。他指出，儘管這場戰爭是關乎國家興亡，甚至世界局勢的重要戰爭，但在兩岸各有說法，傷亡過於慘重，國際不願置喙等情況中，這場戰爭似乎被人遺忘了。他認為沒有抗日的成功，就沒有今日的台灣，在前事不忘後事之師下，他期望人們能認清歷史，就事論事，將心比心，對日本要恩怨分明，可以原諒，並攜手合作的迎向未來，但不能忘記歷史。

僑教中心主任郭大文一面稱許榮光會員都是忠黨愛國者，一面指出，紀念抗日勝利七十週年，其實是紀念人們盼望追求和平的心。他指出，第一次世界大戰時，世界以歐洲為重心，第二次世界大戰時，從雅爾達密約到華盛頓公約，世界以美國為重心，和美國一起為追求世界和平創建聯合國的中國，在國際上的地位也提高了。但如今中國的以1600到1800顆飛彈對準台灣，卻讓人思考在文化上應同水乳般交融的兩岸，為何有著戰爭一觸即發的威脅。郭大文指出，支持民國，是支持民主自由，紀念抗戰，是要提醒追求和平。

波士頓榮光會當天並宣布了第十五屆新任理監事名單。理事十三人，包括理事長石家孝，副理事長王梵，蘇麗萍，以及理事陳世隆，殷尚堅，張韻蘭，袁建業，池元山，江文玲，薛劍童，鄭永豐，馮台甲，杜序儀。監事三人，監事長劉成，監事朱自律，黃正雅。顧問三人，陳家驊，黃國麟，張宗旭。

長達八年的這抗日戰爭，由於海峽兩岸，甚至西方國家都各有一套歷史演繹方案，以紀錄片形式保存的史料，格外珍貴。十八日當天，竟有好些來自中國大陸的遊客，以及至少一名已在美國定居多年的中國大陸新生代，聞訊趕到中華公所，親眼看看歷史。

新英格蘭兒童鐵人三項逾千人參賽 蔡慶瀅奪幼齡組冠軍

上週末在麻省理工學院舉行的第四屆新英格蘭兒童鐵人三項（New England Kids Triathlon），不但破紀錄的有逾千人參加，還有華裔蔡慶瀅贏得低年齡組冠軍。

            該項目創辦人 Tom Gildersleeve 表示，這是新英格蘭地區迄今辦過規模最大的兒童活動。根據他的了解，18歲以下青少年及兒童，不到 1% 曾經試過鐵人三項，所有參加的小孩都因此而更有自信。

            七月十九日這天，6  到 10 歲的小朋友們50人一組，輪流跳進麻省理工學院的 Zesiger Aquatic 中心游泳池，游上100 碼，接著騎自行車，穿過Vassar街，騎上 3 哩路，再跑步半哩的衝到終點站，由新英格蘭愛國者隊啦啦隊拿著銀色花圈迎接，完成鐵人三項運動賽。

            高年級的11歲到15歲組，所有三項運動的要求都加倍，游泳 200 碼，騎自行車 6 哩，跑步 1 哩。

            曾經兩次在奧林匹克預選賽中達到資格要求的 Almon Gunter 當天擔任司儀。他說，游泳，騎自行車，跑步的人都很多，但很少人三項運動都做。

            今年的活動贊助單位包括新英格蘭愛國者隊，Yoplait，以及鄰里健康計劃。報名費加上個別捐款，共為這活動籌得12,000元，將捐給整個新英格蘭地區裏的11家青年會（YMCA），另有16家學校，隊伍，及組織可獲得3000多元。

            Tom Gildersleeve 表示，他們舉辦這一活動的主要目的，是鼓勵兒童養成良好生活形式，變得更健康。

            住在衛斯里鎮，就讀於哈帝（Hardy）小學，現年 9 歲的蔡慶瀅，這天得到 6 到10歲組的冠軍，總成績第25名。她的100碼游泳成績總排名第三，時間為2:08，3哩騎自行車，排名第85，時間13:22，半哩跑步排名第34，時間4:18。

            她爸爸蔡希凌是美中醫藥開發協會紐英崙分會理事，在製藥業做商務發展。他透露，這是蔡慶瀅第三次參加鐵人三項。三年前，一個朋友告訴他們有這麼個活動，女兒參加後，很喜歡，他抱著只要是有益女兒身心健康的活動都支持，就每年都來陪賽，當後勤兼啦啦隊了。

今年，她女兒學校裡游泳俱樂部的同伴，也有好幾人參加了。

參加這一活動的華裔，似乎還不多。蔡希凌在現場只看到律師劉毅，帶了兩名女兒去參賽。

蔡希凌不認識的另一名律師戴晨方，也帶了女兒Isabel參賽，在6到10歲組，得第17名，玩得很高興。

根據一個羅列美國兒童比賽的網站，麻州每年都有大約23項兒童比賽。下一個是預定八月五日在塞冷市（Salem）舉行的跑步，“波士頓兒童硬漢賽（TOUGHKids Boston）“

           

圖片說明：

            蔡慶瀅在“新英格蘭兒童鐵人三項”比賽中，奪得冠軍，上台領獎。（圖由蔡希凌提供）