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

Escape From Mogadishu

It was the last day of class before a break for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The student worked through a reasoning exercise and continued writing an essay about her uncle who escaped war in a boat that sank. He was in the water a long time, but eventually was rescued.

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.)

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

Victims of War

Pumped up my tires, rolled up one pant leg, hit the trails. At the Minneapolis Institute of Art, thousands of life jackets covered the columns to form an installation, “When Home Won’t Let You Stay.” Each life jacket was worn by a person fleeing war in Syria or Afghanistan.

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.