Ninety-one years ago today "the war to end all wars" officially ended. Among the millions of dead were more than 100,000 brave American military servicemen out of hundreds of thousands who honorably served (including two of my great uncles: Bill DeGrow and John E. "Ed" DeGrow). In 1954 the commemoration, originally called Armistice Day, expanded to celebrate the service of all American veterans and became known as Veterans Day. Today I join with the millions of other Americans who honor the men and women who have worn the uniform for their sacrificial service on behalf of our nation. I am especially grateful this year to see so many businesses offering promotions that benefit our active duty personnel and veterans. It almost goes … [Read more...]
Do We Still Celebrate the Berlin Wall’s Collapse 20 Years Later?
Twenty years ago today the Berlin Wall came down. Not exactly breaking news for my well-informed readers, but the significance of the event is hard to overstate. For five minutes of valuable reflection on the power of freedom with a stirring Beethoven soundtrack, check out this terrific video from the Competitive Enterprise Institute: … [Read more...]
Remembering Grandpa Two Years Past the 100th Anniversary of His Birth
Two years ago today I posted a brief memoir in honor of what would have been my Grandpa's 100th birthday. It was uplifting to go back and re-read what I wrote then -- something that seldom happens with the many things I write here. I wouldn't change anything, except to add an update. Thanks to my brother's experimentation, I now have a recipe for popcorn that very nearly resembles Grandpa's very special, almost-world-famous concoction. In the past week I've made myself a few batches -- even ate one batch while watching one of the World Series games. Good memories of good times nearly brought to life. While I won't be undertaking another series on gratitude this November, I'm still thankful for the legacy of my grandparents. … [Read more...]
Savoring Silver Anniversary of Detroit Tigers’ Last World Championship
A quick walk down Detroit Tigers memory lane: Today is the 3rd anniversary of Magglio Ordonez' walk-off 3-run homer that won the ALCS and launched the Tigers into the World Series (also the first epic late-inning playoff loss for Huston Street, then of the Oakland A's). Which also means it was exactly 25 years ago today that the Detroit Tigers last celebrated World Series triumph, with an 8-5 victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 5 down at the Corner (and my childhood hero Alan Trammell named Series MVP). Sadly, the stadium is gone now. But the memory lives on. Here's hoping that Detroit repeats the feat sometime before that anniversary turns golden and my hair turns (completely) gray. … [Read more...]
Thank YOU, Ernie Harwell
I'll admit it. I'm a fool for baseball. And one of the greatest reasons I love the game so much walked out onto the field at Comerica Park this evening -- Ernie Harwell, 91 years young, diagnosed with terminal cancer, but as optimistic and gracious and gentlemanly as ever -- to say thank you:"It's a wonderful night for me," Harwell said. "I really feel lucky to be here, and I want to thank you for that warm welcome. I want to express my deep appreciation to Mike Ilitch, Dave Dombrowski and the Tigers for that video salute and also for the many great things they've done for me and my family throughout my career here with the Tigers. "In my almost 92 years on this Earth, the good Lord has blessed me with a great journey, and the blessed … [Read more...]
R.I.P. Patrick Swayze, Defender of Colorado from the Red Army Invasion
News came down this evening that Patrick Swayze succumbed to his battle with pancreatic cancer and died at the age of 57. We Coloradans especially can be grateful for his heroic vigilante service in the early years of World War Three. The 30-something high schooler and his brave band just may have provided the morale needed to ultimately turn the tide in our favor. Then again, the Red Army's decision to dedicate so much resources to taking over a rural town and school may have factored in somewhere as well: … [Read more...]
9/11 Plus 8
Update: Michael at Best Destiny and Rossputin share their separate recollections of 9/11/01 and where our nation is eight years later. Eight years ago today, with no substitute teaching job awaiting me, I slept in. My dad woke me. The TV was already on with scenes from the World Trade Center. The horror unfolded before my eyes. Minutes after I started watching the second plane hit the South Tower. Everything changed in a moment. It was a long day that grew into a long week. Looking back, I can only think: Never forget. Stand strong. Never falter. Never surrender. In that spirit the Colorado State University College Republicans are making a special commemoration today: … [Read more...]
Remembering General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (1828-1914)
In recent years, one of the more famous heroic figures of the American Civil War -- popularized by the Pulitzer-winning novel Killer Angels and the movie rendition Gettysburg -- citizen-professor-soldier Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was born on September 8, 1828. Today is the 181st anniversary of his birth. Chamberlain, of course, was the hero of Gettysburg's Little Round Top (1863) as commander of the 20th Maine, was wounded six times in battle, the general who presided over the surrender of the Confederate Army at Appomattox, Governor of Maine from 1867 to 1871, and President of Bowdoin College. If you want to learn more, I recommend In the Hands of Providence, a very good Chamberlain biography. … [Read more...]
“One Giant Leap for Mankind…”
Today marks the 40th anniversary of an event that made possible many a wry observation to begin with, "They can put a man on the moon, but they can't...." (For a more serious take on how times have changed in the past four decades, check out yesterday's Detroit Free Press column by bestselling author Mitch Albom.) … [Read more...]
Happy Independence Day, 233 Years
Other days leave us to ponder and fight for the future of personal and economic liberty. Other days leave us to dwell on the financial challenges that face so many Americans. Today we celebrate and commemorate the blessings of liberty enshrined in sacred words of our nation's founding, ratified 233 years ago during a remarkable time that tried the souls of patriots: … [Read more...]
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