Ditas talk last Thursday was a resounding success based on comments ( both written and oral) from several attendees. I am reposting her introduction she titled Elders as Democracy's Guardians 💚, addressed specifically to our Generations of Septuagenarians, Octogenarians and Nonagenarians ( like Me) and one or two Centenarians in the Audience here at THD. There were a few of you who wanted to attend, but have other personal chores to do, so I am reposting Ditas Talk for your reading pleasure as follows:
💚Elders as Democracy's Guardians - Remarks by Ditas Katague
Good morning, distinguished friends.
First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your presence here today. When I look around this room, I don't just see octogenarians, septuagenarians and nonagenarians—I see the keepers of our nation's living memory. You have witnessed our democracy weather storms and emerge stronger. You have seen America transform, adapt, and endure.
In my decades of public service, particularly during my time at the Census Bureau and working on civic engagement initiatives, I've learned that the strongest democracies are those where every voice is heard and valued. Today, as we face new challenges to our democratic institutions, your voices and experiences are more precious than ever.
You've lived through the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, numerous elections, economic booms and busts. Some of you remember life before television, much less the internet. This perspective gives you something invaluable—wisdom that can only come from seeing the long arc of history unfold before your eyes.
Many of you have expressed concern about our current moment—about polarization, about misinformation, about whether the democratic values you've cherished will endure for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These concerns bring you here today, asking: "What can I do? How can I help preserve what matters most?"
I'm here to tell you that your age is not a limitation—it's your greatest strength. You possess three invaluable assets that our democracy desperately needs right now:
First, your historical memory. You remember when Americans could disagree politically yet remain neighbors and friends. You recall when compromise was not a dirty word but the essential oil that kept democracy functioning.
Second, your credibility. In a world of fleeting social media posts and questionable news sources, you are trusted messengers in your families and communities. When you speak, people listen—especially across generational lines.
Third, your time and wisdom. Many of you have the gift of time—time to volunteer, to participate, to engage in ways that younger Americans juggling careers and raising families simply cannot.
Today I would love to encourage you to explore practical, meaningful ways you can deploy these assets to strengthen our democracy and communities. Some actions may be small, others more substantial, but all matter. Democracy isn't just preserved in Washington—it's sustained in community centers, in school board meetings, at neighborhood gatherings, and around family dinner tables.
As someone who has spent her career building bridges between government and communities, I can tell you with absolute certainty: You matter. Your participation matters. Your wisdom is irreplaceable.
So let us begin this important conversation about how your generation—the generation that has seen America through so much—can help guide us through this moment. Not as bystanders, but as active, essential participants in our democratic story.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for caring. And thank you, most of all, for not stepping aside but stepping forward.
So Let tell you more about me for those who haven’t been reading my Dad’s blog closely.
As I mentioned, It’s a little hard to talk about myself, so I asked “CLAUDE A.I” to tell me about myself and loaded my CV up and here’s what it outlined:
Ditas Katague - A Lifetime of Public Service and Community Building
First of all _ Who I Am?
First-generation American, daughter of Filipino immigrants
Public affairs leader with over 30 years of experience
Dedicated to building trust in government and serving diverse communities
Expert in communications and community engagement
Former Presidential Appointee at the US Census Bureau
My Education and Personal Journey
Masters in Public Administration from USC
Bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley
Certified yoga and meditation teacher
Artist and painter
Mediator and community organizer
I am also a solo parent of a 21 year old accomplished well traveled young woman and like some of you, I am a widow. Tomorrow, April 18th it will have been 13 years since my husband lost his battle to colon cancer. So in many ways this last decade has been my 2nd Act, oh and by the way, if any of you have single eligible sons in their 50s or 60s, send them my way!!! Lol
Well BACK TO My Commitment to Service
Throughout my career, I've focused on:
Making government work for everyone
Ensuring all voices are heard, especially seniors and underrepresented groups
Building trust between communities and government
Creating partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors
Using data and technology to improve people's lives
So where am I now? You can say, I’ve been enjoying my FUN-employment since January 20, 2025 at 11:59 am. I drove to Andrews Air Force Base to say goodbye to my boss, Commander in Chief, President Biden and First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. But I have had many transitions in my career, in fact after working for 4 Governors of California, I retired in 2021 from the State of California.
I have been traveling - if you have read my Dad’s blogs. I was in Paris visiting my daughter and celebrating my 60th birthday. I also must returned from Australia where I spoke at the Global Indigenous Data Sovereignty Conference and got to visit our cousins and the Great Barrier Reef.
In closing - Remember this :
Your stories are not just about the past—they help your family navigate their future with wisdom, perspective, and connection to their roots. Your voice matters. Your memories matter. Your wisdom matters. The time to share is now.
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Your Stories Matter - My American Journey
A Call to Action for Octogenarians/Seniors
Your Life Experience is Precious
Dear Wisdom Keepers,
You have lived through historic moments that younger generations can only read about. You've witnessed decades of change—from party-line telephones to smartphones, from Victory Gardens to video calls. Your personal experiences of these transformations are irreplaceable treasures.
Why Your Stories Matter Now More Than Ever
In today's fast-paced digital world:
- Young people are hungry for authentic connection
- Families are often separated by distance
- Social media can't replace the wisdom of lived experience
- Your perspective provides context that history books cannot
You Are the Trusted Source
Nobody can tell your story but you:
- You witnessed history firsthand
- You navigated challenges with resourcefulness
- You built relationships that stood the test of time
- You hold family traditions and memories that would otherwise be lost
Simple Ways to Share Your Legacy
Start Today:
- Record a voice memo sharing a childhood memory
- Write down one story each week
- Have a family member interview you about historical events
- Create a family recipe book with the stories behind each dish
- Share photos and tell the stories behind them
The Bridge Between Generations
When you share your stories, you:
- Help younger generations understand their roots
- Pass down values that have sustained you
- Create bonds that technology cannot replace
- Give your family the gift of perspective
- Leave a legacy that will continue beyond your lifetime
Your Action Steps
- Start Small - Share one story this week
- Be Regular - Set aside time each month for storytelling
- Use Technology - Allow recordings or let younger family members help document
- Ask Questions - Encourage two-way conversations about then and now
- Enjoy the Process - This is about connection, not perfection
I took a few pictures during her talk as follows:
Meanwhile, here are some of the goodies, I received from Ditas and her older sister Dinah. Dinah just came back from her European River cruise trip and brought me a gift of German Naugat- knusperwaffel. Ditas gave me a cap from her Mexican trip from the El Rosario Monarch Butterflies Refuge and a T-shirt from her Australian trip just recently.
The following were able to join us for lunch after the talk: Sandi Green, Susan Bramson, Mary Ann DeWald, Dorothy Mussey, Jay Pollack, Jane Williams, Marsha Kefer and Darryl Choy ( Indy). Thank you All for Coming!
John and Carol were not able to attend lunch, but gave Ditas a Gift and this Card.
Thank You,
John and Carol for the gift and card! 
Sandi Green Card- one of my favorite bridge players and neighbor.
Thank you, Sandi for the card.
💚 Happy and Blessed Eastar Sunday, Every One! Lenten Procession in Marinduque short video below
Here's our Easter Sunday Brunch Menu- Notice the Prime Rib and the Peach Bellini besides the regular Mimosa served every week. Wondering what's the difference between a Mimosa and a Bellini?A Mimosa is classically made with orange juice and champagne and a Bellini is made with peach puree and Prosecco. A Bellini is a tad thicker, almost creamy, and a bit sweeter. This is my first time to taste a Peach Bellini drink.
Here's the Easter Sunday Mass for Shut-ins Like Me in You-Tube
https://youtu.be/sQJzoszVdNg?si=7vBXqGS_NTTkcUUJ
