Robert Edsel's Blog

Robert and Diego Edsel. Photo courtesy of Robert M. Edsel Collection.

Today I’m utilizing space for a personal message, call it an author’s prerogative if you will.  17 years ago this handsome, loving and gifted boy was delivered into this world, our son, Diego.  He has been a source of pride for us as parents, and has brought joy to all those with whom he has come into contact.  Being around him makes anyone happier.

Robert and Diego Edsel. Photo courtesy of Robert M. Edsel Collection.

Diego is a musician, a gifted guitarist, and is entirely self-taught.  He can play it all, but at present heavy metal is his passion…Metallica is his role model.  And off to Zurich we go in a few weeks’ time to see Metallica, father and son.

Happy Birthday my son!

Monuments Men Bernard Taper and Harry Ettlinger

My dad used to say, “the most important thing about birthdays is to keep having them!”.  A little Yogi Berra I admit, but like many things he told me, the wisdom became more apparent with time.

Part of his message was to slow down and celebrate them; each is precious. So today we pause for a moment to acknowledge the birthdays of two of our heroes, Monuments Men Bernard Taper and Harry Ettlinger.  I’ve spent a lot of time with both of these men and they are wonderful human beings over and above their many life accomplishments.

Strangely enough, I introduced Harry and Bernie to each other on June 5th, 2007, the day before our Senate Ceremony to honor all of the men and women of 13 nations who served in the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives section.  They were like two bugs in a rug from the outset swapping stories, sharing experiences.  It didn’t take long to make a significant connection:  both had interrogated Hitler’s good friend and personal photographer, Heinrich Hoffman, interestingly almost a year apart.

I walked behind them through the halls of the Senate as we headed to an appointment to meet Senator Hillary Clinton, leaning over their shoulders ease dropping on their conversation.  I always marvel at how similar older people are to young kids in the most endearing of ways. Watching the two of them get to know each other reminded me of two boys at a playground immediately engaged in conversation as if they had known each other all their lives, void of pretense and ego, just happy to have a friend.  I always cherish their first meeting among my many memories.

So here’s to our friends, Harry Ettlinger and Bernard Taper:  may you both remain in good health and be with us for many more such happy occasions!