Reminders Of War

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. Here’s some microposts that also touch… Continue reading Reminders Of War

Honoring Ordinary People

On my cycle ride: Sheridan Memorial Park. Surrounding plaques honor veterans of ten wars while reflecting on the futility of so much conflict. I appreciate how this memorial focuses on the ordinary people called to fight in wars, rather than leaders.

Japan Occupation Photos

Started digitizing and (digitally) pinning photos to a map of Japan. Dwight’s uncle took the photos when he was a soldier in the occupying army when World War II ended. We may visit some of the locations when we explore Japan with our nephews (13 and 14).

Remnant of WWII

On my cycle ride: World War II guard tower built to protect a Norden bombsight factory. Today, tenants of the old factory buildings include a distillery and a company that develops LEGO military model kits. (The LEGO Company has a strict policy against selling military models.)

Civil War Veterans

Cycled through Hillside Cemetery with a friend, taking in great views of downtown Minneapolis. The big surprise for us was a section for Civil War veterans. The markers honor veterans who joined units in states other than Minnesota.

Categorized as War

Remembering My Dad

Winnowed down our worldly goods, enough for two carloads for Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity. Dwight inadvertently put this scarf on the Goodwill pile, but I rescued it. My dad wore it while serving in the Home Guard during World War II.

Unlearned Lessons

Spent the morning at the Minneapolis Institute of Art seeing the Vietnam War through the eyes of artists opposed to the war at the time. There’s too many lessons still to be learned.

Remembering

Cycled through Fort Snelling National Cemetery, surrounded by 225,000 graves of military veterans and their immediate families. Later this month, a flag will be placed at each veteran’s grave marker for Memorial Day.