This Veteran’s Day, I am remembering my father, Joseph M. Laird. My father rarely talked about Vietnam throughout my childhood, but I stored up the strange details he occasionally let slip. How when a rocket fell on their hut, a chief cried because he had lost his brand-new pack of Kem playing cards. How when he belatedly learned of the birth of his son, he … Continue reading Please Thank a Veteran Today

Mary Edith “Edie” Laird was born January 14, 1905, on Cherry Street in West Homestead, Allegheny Co., PA. She was the second child and eldest daughter of Victor Laird and Annie O’Donnell. She was the sister of J. Merle, Thomas, and Suzanne Laird. In 1915, Edie’s family moved into a big yellow brick house at 323 West 15th Avenue. Sadly, her little brother Thomas died of … Continue reading Edith Laird Graves (1905-1990)

Each summer, J. Merle and Margaret Laird hosted a family reunion at Kennywood Park. The tradition that they began in the 1940s carries on today. Here we will post some of the pictures — and home movies! — from across the decades. The Laird, Graves, and Ritter Families in 2006 Continue reading Kennywood Reunions

When your father dies, say the Irish you lose your umbrella against bad weather. May his sun be your light, say the Armenians.   When your father dies, say the Welsh you sink a foot deeper into the earth. May you inherit his light, say the Armenians   When your father dies, say the Canadians you run out of excuses. May you inherit his sun, … Continue reading “Shifting the Sun”

Joseph M. Laird Joseph M. Laird, aged 76, of West Hempfield, PA, died peacefully on August 14, 2018, surrounded by his devoted wife of 50 years, Kathy, and their four children. Born on November 23, 1941, in Homestead, PA, Joe was the son of the late J. Merle and Margaret (Kozey) Laird. From a young age, Joe loved playing sports. As a student at Homestead … Continue reading Joseph Merle Laird (1941-2018)

from the family archive [above: Exie Laird] Continue reading Mystery Photos