Edward Ryan Obituary (2024) - Albany, NY - Albany Times Union (legacy.com)
What do you see in the photo, what do you notice, wo do you think this is, what do you think this story might be about?
The photo shows retired firefighter and army veteran Colonel Edward Thomas Ryan, who sadly died aged 85 in 2024. This photo was the picture used in his obituary.
What is an obituary?
What sort of things do you think were said about Edward?
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 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. He asked that the note was read out to his family. The note told his family about something he had never mentioned before.
What do you think the note could have been about?
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."
What do you think about this note?
Why didn't Paul tell people he was gay?
"I was afraid of being ostracised by family" what does this mean? Why do you think Edward thought this might happen?
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 keep their relationship a secret for 25 years?
Think about all the events that Edward's family missed out on, not knowing about Paul for all those years? (think about family celebrations, weddings etc and he was never there)
How do you think Edward's family felt when the note was read?
Edward says he didn't have the courage to come out. Yet he was a firefighter and received military medals.
Was Edward a brave person?
Edward apologises for not coming out. Should he be apologising?
What message would you give to Edward if you could meet him today?
Last weekend in London was a huge Pride march. What is pride for?
Some people say we don't need Pride month. Listening to Edward's story, what do you think?
Do you think Edward ever went on a Pride march, do you think he wanted to?
There are different views about LGBTQ+ equality around the world. In the UK we have freedom of speech and democracy and different views are allowed. We can agree and we can disagree and still respect each other, as long as we are not being judgmental.
What do we say about different families and LGBTQ+ people 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)
Can we learn anything from Edward?
Why is this about No Outsiders?
Which British Value is this about?
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