We’re surrounded by reminders of war. Generally, most of us get the choice to look away, but many do not have that luxury as they live with the emotional and physical consequences of war.
Today, Memorial Day, I’ve been picking out old posts that reference war or its consequences.
Little Mogadishu
Cedar-Riverside, the most diverse neighborhood in Minneapolis, is a four minute walk from our home. One hundred years ago, Cedar-Riverside was home to Scandinavians, Germans, and Bohemians (today’s Czech Republic). During the last 30 years a large number of Somalis, escaping civil war and refugee camps, have moved here to what has been called Little… Continue reading Little Mogadishu
Hearing Native Voices
Scaffold In May 2017, I stood behind a chain link fence that was covered with protest notices. “Shame on you”“Take it down”“There is no art in genocide”“Not art, not a game, not experience, not your story, not your family” Behind the fence, in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, workers were putting the finishing touches to a… Continue reading Hearing Native Voices
Walking in Silence
Today I walked through a solemn space filled with sounds of flowing water, wishing for an alternate history that does not lead to this place. Circular route to entrance, water a constant theme. Underground. Concrete pressed with cedar panels. Bench. Falling water. Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
My Hike Close to North Korea
April 2017: I set myself the goal to hike on my own as close as possible to North Korea without breaking any laws. The demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas was certainly out of bounds. As was the area immediately to the south of the DMZ where civilian access is strictly controlled. The southern… Continue reading My Hike Close to North Korea
An Empty Chair
She sits beside an empty chair outside the Japanese consulate in Busan, South Korea. A sad, lonely figure. Until the statue was installed last year, Korean women took turns to sit on a chair for a day beside an empty chair. It’s a dignified scene. There’s fresh flowers, and three engraved panels. One panel lists… Continue reading An Empty Chair
Veterans Day 2015
Today I cycled to Sheridan Veterans Memorial beside the Mississippi River in Northeast Minneapolis. The monument reflects on the cost of war, expresses hope for peace, and is even-handed about the conquerors and vanquished. The push to build this memorial came from veterans. It was dedicated just two years ago, so it is not a strong part… Continue reading Veterans Day 2015
A Cold Beer in Passchendaele
World War 1 erupted 100 years ago. About 50 years ago, I decided WW1 was a travesty. I remember my father’s sadness and my mother’s rage when I announced my (paternal) grandfather died at Passchendaele for nothing. Teenagers are not known for tact, and I am not proud of that outburst. Man of the House… Continue reading A Cold Beer in Passchendaele
Here’s some microposts that also touch on war.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
From oft-quoted “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian military doctor and artillery commander Major John McCrae.