Tag Archives: History

The Greatest Generation

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Like most days, I have to ponder the prompt topic until the afternoon, when it’s time to write. I read the word “value” and had no idea what to do. Sure, there are some values that I hold dear, but that’s not a very interesting post: Erin’s values. But it hit me when I read the Photo Challenge prompt, “nostalgia.”

greatestge002

Courtesy swoyersart.com

A few generations ago was called the “Greatest Generation.” Probably my grandparents’ generation, who were born in the late 30s to early 40s. I love anything from that generation, mainly the clothes. There was a war going on, which I forget.

I actually did my 6th grade History Day project, which is just like Science Fair, but you guessed right, regarding history on that period of time. I chose The Home Front as my topic. I interviewed my Great Grandma, and she sent me some ration stamps (she was one notch below a hoarder).

I didn’t realize it then, but now as a wise woman of 33, I wonder why must we have so much “stuff.” I’m just as guilty as anybody. My closet is almost exploding. A lot of it I have never worn. But why must they introduce a new iPhone every couple months? Is it that different? I’m not going to get started on Black Friday.

 

I love the movie “Forrest Gump.” In it, Mama said something that is so true: “There’s just so much a man really needs. The rest is for showing off.”

 

Thank you for setting us straight, Mama.

To Die For: An Editorial

By Posted in Rants and Raves Tagged , , , , , , 4 Comments

Courtesy: transformrockford.org

According to Statistic Brain.com there are well over 218 million Americans who are eligible to vote. Yet only just over 146 million did in the 2012 election. Of those, 69% of men and 72% were women.

Just some trivia to prove my point for this post. Another incredible/sad fact: According to Wikipedia, out of the world’s 196 countries (About.com) a measly 24 are full democracies! That really puts things into perspective doesn’t it? We are so lucky, yet there are millions of Americans who don’t take advantage of what billions around the world would love to have.

Think of the Revolutionary War. Americans were willing to die for something we take for granted. Women fought tirelessly to vote and it was finally granted in 1920. African Americans in 1959.

It’s a little early to say who I will vote for. I was thinking Trump, but he has a big mouth. I watched the debate, and couldn’t believe his comments.

So I don’t who for, but I will be voting in 2016. Will you be joining me?

150 Years Ago Today

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Courtesy successify.net

Who would you say had the best presidential accomplishment? Bush leading us through the dark days of 9/11 was the biggest one of my lifetime so far—I still remember very clearly that morning Mom coming into my room and telling me what happened. We were glued to the TV the rest of the day. It was so surreal. Over the next few days we saw how the country could put it’s differences aside and work together.

My elementary school was big on patriotism: at assemblies we sang songs like “America the Beautiful” and “My Country tis of Thee.” We also had memorization challenges: the Preamble to the Constitution and the Gettysburg Address. I did it because I had to, and didn’t really pay attention to what I was memorizing. Now, 20 years later, I kick myself. I was reciting some of the most important documents in American history!

Take the Gettysburg Address: Without it, America might be two countries, and who knows when slavery may have ended?

Today marks the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. I know even today America has its differences, but because of Lincoln we are ONE COUNTRY.