Edward Ryan Obituary (2024) - Albany, NY - Albany Times Union (legacy.com)
The photo shows retired firefighter and army veteran Colonel Edward Thomas Ryan, who sadly died aged 85 last month. This photo was the picture used in his obituary on June 8th.
During his lifetime, Edward was a member of a church, he had Bachelor of science and Bachelor of arts degrees; he was a firefighter in New York State and had been decorated for his role in the army. He was awarded a Defence of Liberty medal in 2001. He also received a "Commanders Citation" military medal "For services beyond the call."
- What is an obituary for?
- What does "For services beyond the call" mean?
- Reading Edward's achievements above, what kind of person to you think Edward was?
Edward wrote a personal note before he died, which was added to his obituary. The note read:
"I must tell you one more thing. I was gay all my life; through grade school, through high school, college, life. I was in a loving caring relationship with Paul Cavagnaro or North Greenbush. He was the love of my life. We had 25 great years together. Paul died in 1994, I'll be buried next to Paul. I'm sorry not to have the courage to come out as gay. I was afraid of being ostracised by family, friends and co-workers. Seeing how people like me were treated, I just could not do it. Now that my secret is known, I'll forever rest in peace."
- Why didn't Paul tell people he was gay?
- Edward was in a relationship with someone for 25 years and no one knew - can you imagine what that must have been like for them? Why would they choose to do that?
- Do you think Edwards family were worried about him being in his own, why didn't he just tell them?
- what did Edwards family miss out on, not knowing about Paul for all those years? (think about family celebrations, weddings etc and he was never there)
- Edward says he didn't have the courage to come out. Yet he was a firefighter and received military medals. Was he a brave person?
- I was afraid of being ostracised by family, friends and co-workers - what does that mean?
- Edward apologises for not coming out. Should he be apologising?
- What message would you give to Paul if you could meet him today?
- June is Pride month. Some people say we don't need Pride month - what do you think Edward felt about Pride?
- Do you think we need Pride month?
- There are different views about LGBTQ+ equality around the world. In the UK we have freedom of speech and democracy and different view are allowed. We can agree and we can disagree and still respect each other, as long as we are not othering each other or being judgmental. What do we say about different families and equality at our school, why do we say that? (We want everyone to know they can themselves and they belong here)
-What is the law in the UK about this? (Equality Act 2010) What are the 9 protected characteristics? (age, race, religion and belief, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity)
- What can we learn from Edward?
- Why is this about No Outsiders?
- Which British Value is this about?
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