Remembering Albon P. Man
It saddened me to learn that Albon P. Man passed away on Oct. 22. The first time I met Albon was at a busy street corner in Nanuet. A group of us (Rockland Coalition for Peace and Justice) used to meet there each week to participate in peace vigils to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout the 9 years of our vigils, we developed a special bond of affection for each other. I remember that in the last few years of our vigils, Albon became fond of handing out antiwar flyers to the passing motorists, even after he turned 90. He seemed to get so much satisfaction when people accepted the flyers.
Initially I did not know much about Albon, except that he was passionate about peace. But then in 2005, the Journal News published two articles about him, and I learned about his deep love for humankind. I learned that despite general public sentiment of “not in my backyard,” Albon embraced the project of establishing in his neighborhood a group-home for people with developmental disabilities. Since 1999, he volunteered to assist at that home every weekday morning until he was no longer physically able to do so. Albon continued to amaze me. I once heard from a friend, not from Albon himself, that during WWII the young Albon had been a conscientious objector. In upholding his pacifist convictions, he was jailed in federal prison for almost 3 years for refusing to serve in the military.
Albon was a true pacifist throughout his life. His profound compassion for people gave him the courage to speak up and act to right wrongs. Yet he was quiet about his good deeds, which, for me, made him all the more admirable. Albon will live on in my heart.