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.
Tag: Post 2022-05-30
Posts and Microposts referenced in post of 2022-05-30
Consequences Of Nationalism
Explored the consequences of nationalism in pre-World War I Europe with an ESL student. Restrained myself from drawing parallels with today’s world.
Wartime Presidents
Listened to Michael Beschloss, presidential historian, talking to a packed lunchtime Westminster Town Hall Forum about wartime presidents. He reminded us how presidents have started wars on a false pretext, and without the congressional approval required
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
Sacred Ground
Cycled to an LRT station to look at a concrete paver block mosaic. Unfortunately, it had been replaced with poured concrete. Nearby, at an American Indian training facility, I found a new mural.
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
A Breakwater In Wakkanai
Walked under a breakwater in Wakkanai, northern Hokkaido. In WWII it was used as a submarine repair facility.
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