JANUARY 2026

The Fabulous Fifties

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

The decade of the 1950s has been immortalized if not embedded into our nation's collective consciousness in Nostalgia TV (e.g., "Happy Days"), Pop Culture (e.g., posters of James Dean and Marilyn Monroe) and Politics (e.g., 34th US President Dwight Eisenhower).  As wintertime is a good opportunity for pleasure reading, this month's blog is a recommendation to either read or reread David Halberstam's 1986 New York Times bestseller The Fifties.   Baby Boomers will appreciate Halberstam's sweeping review of the cultural, social, political and economic history of this era while younger readers will find this to be an informative, insightful but entertaining discourse on how major institutions, iconic public figures and mass market consumer offerings became an integral part of the American experience.

Halberstam's reader-friendly, conversational writing style makes history an appealing, fun read instead of a boring, condescending academic treatise.  It is easy to see why Halberstam was a Pulitzer Prize winning author as this same style is evident in all of his books on various topics.  What makes reading The Fifties a compelling experience is that Halberstam eschews the oft-used (some might say "over used") linear narrative style typically associated with history books.  In this instance, Halberstam separately profiles the various trends, notable events and people from the 1950s thereby making the subject all the more memorable if not meaningful.  The reader comes to understand that is not mere nostalgia, but a carefully crafted exposition on a period that not only provided the foundation for the events that occurred in the ensuing decades but still resonate today!

Here are few examples of what Halberstam covers:

> The towering presence on the global stage of US President Dwight Eisenhower who in the prior decade had commanded the Allied Forces in the European Theater to victory in World War II;

> The introduction of "fast food" and mass marketing via the rise of McDonald's and the Holiday Inn hotel chain;

> The creation of Rock and Roll music via the rise of Elvis Presley;

> The emergence of the personal brand and counterculture with James Dean and Marilyn Monroe;

> The beginnings of the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement;

> The importance of the car culture in everyday American life via the prism of General Motors and innovative designs by Harley Earl.

There is, of course, a lot more.  But it is clear that much of what we now take for granted, including the rise of computers, space exploration, sophisticated advertising & marketing and so forth, all had their beginnings in the 1950s.  The conclusion of the book is also written in a way to stimulate further interest by offering a tantalizing account of the televised debate between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon as a segue into the 1960s and the role of Madison Avenue advertising (think "Mad Men" - the 2007-2015 TV series) in all aspects of American life.

Although published 40 years ago, David Halberstam's The Fifties remains a refreshing if not perennially relevant account of a decade that regrettably has become caricatured instead of respected for the long shadow it continues to cast.  Start the New Year and break up your wintertime by checking out this wonderful book!

NOTE: All photos are from the public domain.

 

DECEMBER 2025

Christmas in the Twilight Zone

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

Rod Serling's Twilight Zone TV series (1959-64) remains perennially relevant and popular with generations of fans due to its fusion of fantasy with profound human truths.  One of the best examples of this fusion of fusion and humanity is the 102nd episode of the series titled "The Changing of the Guard."  Originally aired on June 1, 1962, this episode is set at Christmastime at an American prep school for boys in the early 1960s.  Donald Pleasance portrays the lead character, Professor Ellis Fowler, who after 51 years of teaching English Literature, is forcibly retired on Christmas Eve due to the school's enforcement of its mandatory retirement age.  Although Professor Fowler has no financial worries because of a comfortable if not generous pension, he becomes despondent as he begins to question whether or not he had a meaningful impact on the lives of his students.

Convinced that his lessons have been in vain and that he accomplished nothing in his life, Professor Fowler is prepared to commit suicide on Christmas Eve in front of the school's statue of educator Horace Mann.  Before he can do this, Fowler hears a school bell ring and it prompts him to return to his classroom which he finds filled with the ghosts of former students representing generations from the past 50 years (1910 - 1960) that he taught during his career.  Having questioned his legacy, Fowler learns that these former students have returned from beyond the grave to inform him that his teachings inspired them to become good men by learning about ethics, patriotism, courage, loyalty and honesty.  The spirits of these students affirm that Fowler's teachings enabled them to make a positive difference by giving of themselves in service to others: one posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroism at Iwo Jima (World War II), another died at Pearl Harbor on the USS Arizona after saving twelve of his shipmates, while yet another died of leukemia after exposure to X-Rays while doing research on cancer treatments.  Others perished in World War I to save their comrades in arms.  Fowler is moved to tears as he learns that while all these former students died, they willingly gave their lives so others could live theirs.  All of these former pupils are eternally grateful for how Fowler was able to inspire them with his teachings about bravery.

The school bell rings again, and the spirits of his former students, having completed their mission of informing their beloved teacher of how much he meant to them, disappear from this linear realm.  Fowler is now content to retire gracefully secure in the knowledge that he has lived a rich, full life having enriched the lives of his pupils over the course of more than half a century!  At Christmas when we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we find renewal and regeneration as the greatest gifts in life cannot be measured in monetary terms, but rather in how we give of ourselves to others.  In the same spirit that Christ's teachings remain the same yesterday, today and forever, we find that "The Changing of the Guard" illustrates how redemption is found through gratitude for all the blessings we have received from God.  The closing scene in which Fowler's present day students sing Christmas carols to their beloved teacher at his residence, remind us that Christmas is truly a season of Love.  If you have the opportunity, please take a half-hour to view this classic Twilight Zone episode via streaming during this Holiday Season.  Its themes of reflection and redemption make for a truly inspirational viewing experience.  With that in mind, we here at the Galaxy Nostalgia Network wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

NOTE: All photos are from the public domain.

 

NOVEMBER 2025

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude in which we express appreciation for blessings received as well as personal relationships built on giving of ourselves and sharing with others.  As we begin the Holiday Season with celebration of Thanksgiving, we invite our wonderful GNN audience and followers to share their own special memories by posting them either to the Galaxy Facebook page or writing directly to us at: GalaxyMoonbeamNightSite@gmail.com

Thanksgiving is truly special among American holidays as its historic connection with the Pilgrims affirms in the words of Archbishop Iakovos (1911-2005) that it is the "birthday of America's soul."  Regardless of religious affiliation, when people gather together on Thanksgiving it is done with a spirit of Love and/or Charity.  With this in mind, we would like to share this Prayer of Thanksgiving offered by Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann (1921-1983) following celebration of Divine Liturgy for what turned out to be his final time on Thanksgiving Day 1983.  This is appropriate as Fr. Schmemann's life and ministry was devoted to teaching, writing and preaching about the Holy Eucharist -- for the word "Eucharist" in Greek means "Thanksgiving."  In sharing the full text of this prayer, we at Galaxy Nostalgia Network wish each and every one of you in our wonderful audience - along with all those you have in mind - a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank You, O Lord!

"Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation and eternal joy.

Thank You, O Lord, for having accepted this Eucharist, which we offered to the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and which filled our hearts with the joy, peace and righteousness of the Holy Spirit.

Thank You, O Lord, for having revealed Yourself unto us and given us the foretaste of Your Kingdom.

Thank You, O Lord, for having united us to one another in serving You and Your Holy Church.

Thank You, O Lord, for having helped us to overcome all difficulties, tensions, passions, temptations and restored peace, mutual love and joy in sharing the communion of the Holy Spirit.

Thank You, O Lord, for the sufferings You bestowed upon us, for they are purifying us from selfishness and reminding us of the “one thing needed;” Your eternal Kingdom.

Thank You, O Lord, for having given us this country where we are free to worship You.

Thank You, O Lord, for this school, where the name of God is proclaimed.

Thank You, O Lord, for our families: husbands, wives and, especially, children who teach us how to celebrate Your holy Name in joy, movement and holy noise.

Thank You, O Lord, for everyone and everything.

Great are You, O Lord, and marvelous are Your deeds, and no word is sufficient to celebrate Your miracles.

Lord, it is good to be here! Amen!"

 

 

OCTOBER 2025

"MR. BASEBALL"

- The Importance of Wa - 

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

The month-long MLB playoff baseball season in October renews interest in watching good movies that reflect the spirit of the summer game.  Our selection is an unusual entry: "Mr. Baseball" - a 1992 film with Tom Selleck as an aging veteran ballplayer finishing his career in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons.  This film is a fusion of Romance-Comedy (Rom-Com), Sports, Redemption as well as Comedy of Manners via contrasting cultures!  Yours truly worked and lived extensively in Japan for weeks on end during the 1980s as I traveled back-and-forth to the Land of the Rising Sun for my profession.  I can attest to the film's accuracy in capturing the "feel" of what Japan was like during this era while portraying an insightful look at East/West mindsets in the context of both sports and personal relationships.  During one of my visits I was there for the Japanese World Series and vividly recall the reverence that Japan holds for baseball including mastery of fundamentals and treating the sport more as work, than a game!  "Mr. Baseball" takes a deep dive into Japanese sports culture that includes player-manager interaction, clubhouse behavior, corporate pressure, celebratory fanfare of large crowds plus an insatiable sports media.

As Selleck's character, Jack Elliot, struggles to adjust to Japanese culture - especially the importance of "wa" or group harmony, the core of Japanese baseball - he is aided by a superb supporting cast: his fellow American and Dragon teammate Max "Hammer" DuBois (Dennis Haysbert), his accompanying translator/interpreter Yoji (Toshi Shioya), Dragons manager Uchiyama (Ken Takakura) and Jack's love interest Hiroko (Aya Takanashi).  Jack learns about the importance of sportsmanship and hard work that helps revitalize his love for the game.  In turn, Jack is able to form genuine friendship and camaraderie as his teammates, manager and girlfriend come to appreciate his personal warmth and sincere desire for self-improvement in both professional and personal terms.  All of this occurs through a series of episodes or scenes that embody Rom-Com, Sports and Comedy of Manners that occur with contrasting or distinctly different cultures.

This is truly a wonderful movie that captures a unique time and place.  As Japanese players have now become visible and important contributors to MLB (e.g., newly enshrined Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki), this makes "Mr. Baseball" - ("Mister Beis-boru") - all the more fun to watch and appreciate its intelligence in capturing the essence of the game without being overly sentimental.  If you are interested in finding out if Jack Elliot finds redemption, whether the Dragons win a pennant and if there is a "happily ever after" moment for Jack and Hiroko, then do yourself a favor and watch "Mr. Baseball."

NOTE: All photos are from the public domain.

 

SEPTEMBER 2025

Remembering Brian Piccolo

- His Enduring Legacy - 

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

Every Autumn marks a new season of NFL Football and a chance to reminisce about favorite or special players while being optimistic about your favorite team's prospects for gridiron success.  This month we honor the memory of Brian Piccolo (Oct 31, 1943 - Jun 16, 1970) who was an NFL running back for the Chicago Bears for four years and played collegiate football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.  Piccolo's life story transcended the gridiron as he was a role model of courage for his heroic battle against cancer and raising public awareness about this dreaded disease.  As a collegian Piccolo led the nation in rushing and scoring in his senior year, finishing 10th in Heisman Trophy balloting.  As an NFL player, he played on special teams and largely in a reserve role at running back.

His biography, Brian Piccolo: A Short Season, was written in 1971 by award winning journalist Jeannie Morris whose husband was Johnny Morris, a Bears record setting receiver and teammate of Piccolo.  This book helped to not only upgrade the sports biography genre in a respectful but insightful manner, but with its female author helped to break glass ceilings in both the publishing and sports journalism fields.  Its title reflects dual tracking themes: (1) Piccolo's short life span and (2) career statistics typically associated with a single season - 5 touchdowns (4 running, 1 receiving), 927 yards rushing and 537 yards receiving.  He exemplified mastery of fundamentals - blocking techniques, disciplined running routes, film study and consistent effort on special teams.  On a personal level, Piccolo showed leadership through character - unwavering optimism, genuine camaraderie and selflessness.  His best statistical year was 1968 in which he rushed for 450 yards on 123 carries (a 3.7 average), two touchdowns and 28 receptions for 291 yards (a 10.4 average).  It was during this season that Piccolo stepped up after injuries depleted the Bears backfield by delivering decisive touchdowns in tight contests while maintaining constant physical and mental readiness to answer any call - even on short notice.  Piccolo's toughness in critical moments and integrity helped keep the Bears competitive while showing them what could be achieved when working together.  The 1968 Bears showed unheralded resilience that reflected Piccolo's intensity and grit.  On a team largely recalled for its Hall of Fame players Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers, it was Piccolo who inspired the Bears' refusal to quit in the face of enormous adversity.   It was this same mindset that Piccolo later brought forth in his battle against cancer.  In sum, Brian Piccolo's story offers insights into the lives and careers of the vast number of men who make up professional football's rank and file.

Brian Piccolo: A Short Season is truly a worthwhile read. Jeannie Morris, at the request of Joy Piccolo (Brian's widow) was able to complete this book originally started by Brian, thereby giving us a poignant, insightful and ultimately inspiring biography.  There are a vast number of passages throughout the book in italicized font which are the words and thoughts expressed by Brian Piccolo himself (all recorded on tape) as he reflected upon his love for his wife Joy and their three daughters Lori, Traci and Kristi.  His non defeatist attitude in battling cancer, love for family, football and his teammates resonates deeply as it illustrates a spiritual man whose record as a human being far exceeds any statistical metric that measures gridiron performance.

To close this tribute to Brian Piccolo as we embark on a new NFL season, here is an excerpt from the foreword of the book we have highlighted.  Teammate and friend, Johnny Morris, wrote the following:

"Brian Piccolo was a friend and former Chicago Bear teammate who lost a seven-month battle to cancer. Pic was one of those 'special' people, a man with solid character and a wholesome sensitivity towards others......Brian had to overcome many obstacles to achieve success.  During his short life he sustained his share of disappointments, but rarely complained.  Pic was a fan's ballplayer, a coach's ballplayer, but above all, a ballplayer's ballplayer.  Brian Piccolo made it to the top at 26." 

Please join us here at Galaxy Nostalgia Network in starting the NFL Season with a salute to the life and legacy of Brian Piccolo.

NOTE: All photographs are from the Public Domain.

 

AUGUST 2025

Honor the Past ~ Embrace the Future

- 250th Birthday of the US Marine Corps - 

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

This year marks the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  Founded on November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Marines are the "Nine-One-One" unit of the US Armed Forces.  Historically, the Marines have been known for its rapid deployment capability to be anywhere in the world at any time, and usually in expeditionary if not harsh environments.  On any given day, there are nearly 38,000 Marines around the globe always ready to do whatever it takes to make a positive difference in combat as well as humanitarian missions.  Like the ancient Spartans, the Marines have shown remarkable adaptability and willingness to win against any adversary and against all odds.

Marines have come from all walks of life and all backgrounds united in their core values of honor, courage and commitment.  Throughout its 250 years, the Marines have played an invaluable role in American history in securing and protecting our nation's freedoms: from the shores of Tripoli to the battlefields of the European and Pacific Theaters in World War II, from the Coldest Winter in Korea to the jungles of Southeast Asia and the rugged terrain of the Middle East.  In all of these places and more, the Marines have shown unparalleled courage and sacrifice.  Baby Boomers have witnessed the enormous contributions of the Marines in several of the aforementioned venues and can appreciate the spirit that "Once a Marine, always a Marine" as their leadership and experience acquired in military service has transitioned into business and in local communities.

For 250 years, the United States Marines Corps have exemplified its motto "Semper Fidelis" or "Always Faithful."  As a published author on US Marine Corps aviation history, I can personally attest to many examples of how the Corps has honored its glorious past while helping to advance the future.  If any reader would like copies or access to my published work, please contact me at: Haloulakos@gmail.com  In the meantime, please join us here at the Galaxy Nostalgia Network in celebrating the Marine Corps faithful service to our great nation.

NOTE: All photos are from the Public Domain.

 

JULY 2025

FALA

- Our Favorite Presidential Pet - 

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

Baby Boomers fondly recall from studying 1940s American History that a very special dog was a popular if not important figure during those times.  Fala, the Scottish Terrier, was the personal pet and constant companion to President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) and provided a pleasant diversion if not a morale booster to a nation embroiled in World War II.  He traveled everywhere with the President including long historic journeys (e.g., Atlantic Charter Conference in Newfoundland with Prime Minister Winston Churchill), visiting President Camacho in Monterey, Mexico plus nationwide inspection tours of various US defense plants, the Quebec Conferences and even a sea trip to the Aleutian Islands!  Fala can also be seen on film in newsreels highlighting FDR's 1944 meeting in Hawaii with General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz.

A constant presence in the Oval Office, the dog received thousands of letters from people and had a special secretary to answer his mail.  Fala was the poster dog for the US Army promoting its K9 Corp with the honorary rank of private as well as a symbol for war bond drives.  When FDR passed away in 1945, Fala was photographed attending his beloved master's graveside burial.  Fala was so popular that there are three (3) statues in his honor: the most notable is Fala next to his owner, President Roosevelt at the memorial dedicated to the 32nd US President in Washington, D.C., with another statue placed at Puerto Rico's "Paseo de los Presidentes" in San Juan and a third statue at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY.

 

Fala (April 7, 1940 - April 5, 1952) -- was presented at age four months to President Roosevelt -- with an official American Kennel Club name of "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill" after a Scottish ancestor.  However, over time the nickname "Fala" was the one used by FDR and the public.  When Fala became a member of the Roosevelt family in the White House, he came with the ability to do simple tricks: sit, roll over, jump and curl his lip into a smile!  In 1942, a film was made about Fala and his life in Hyde Park and is now shown to the many visitors to the Roosevelt Library and Museum.  Needless to say, FDR and Fala were inseparable.  In the years following FDR's passing, Fala became the companion of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt residing quietly in Val-Kill, Hyde Park until his passing in 1952.  America's favorite presidential pet is buried just a few feet away from his master and mistress with a memorial visited by thousands of dog lovers each year.  It is a stirring reminder of how the love of, and for a precious pet, leaves pawprints on our hearts.

There is a wealth of content on this amazing dog to be found on the Internet from the National Park Service, the FDR Presidential Museum, classic 1940s newsreel footage and many other sources.  If you have special memories and thoughts about Fala, please share them on the GNN FACEBOOK page or by writing to me directly at: Haloulakos@gmail.com

NOTES: All photos are from the public domain.