Thank you for sharing Ann. These stories of courage in the struggle to establish freedom and democracy must be shared widely so that we do not forget. We must counter the voices of those that would turn freedom and democracy over to a traitorous, convicted felon.
Well stated. I have been fortunate to visit Normandy as a tourist and ithe D-Day beaches and the memorial site one of the most moving experiences I have experienced in all of my travels. Seeing them in person versus the movies is far more impactful regarding the courage it took yo mount the offensive and win the world than anyone can imagine. The answers to your questions are NO.
Thank you for your comment, Scott. If putting this post together has proven to be so moving for me, I can only imagine what your experience must have been.
No, we must never forget. Bringing Civics back into High Schools might be a start to helping future generations realize their part in the success of our country. But each one of us needs to stand strong and speak up about our convictions (pardon the pun, 45); we need to fight for our democracy every day, and ensure that honor and decency are not forgotten along with the sacrifice that so many have made, to keep our country Free, and Of the people, For the people, By the people. Truth dies in silence, Democracy dies by apathy.
Indeed. That is the first order of business. Then it's holding to account all of those Congress people who took part in the insurrection and/or promote the Big Lie. We must all be vigilant, critical of what we hear, and willing to do what it takes to debunk the conspiracies and call out the lies. Each one of us has a part to play in keeping our Democracy whole. Thank you for the vital part that you play in that effort.
Civics was removed from the curriculum in California when I was in Junior High (yes, long enough ago that it was Junior High, not Middle School), which means the early 70s. Why? Reagan was Governor of the state, so that should suffice as the reason. Student Government was also removed.
I agree, it really isn't very surprising that the youth of today know so little about our country, our government, and our civic duties as citizens to keep our Democracy alive. I think that if Democrats could stay in office long enough to finish cleaning up the messes that Republicans always seem to leave behind, we might be able to start addressing these issues and bring such classes/activities back into schools. Yes, I have a dream...
My dad kept a stack of those photographs from the landing of troops (I now keep in a box along with photos of him shirtless in the Philippines doing work in government-issue trousers). He was on a supply ship off the coast during the landing. Not one of those men came back untouched, deeply marked by the weight of what they saw or did or what it meant to a world in full-blown crisis. Days like yesterday only escalate my confusion, grief over the reckless attitude toward our freedom. Keep writing, sharing, ... believing we'll prevail. Another four years with President Biden will be far from perfect; they will be messy and tumultuous - but it's another four years we would have to help "right-the-ship."
Thank you for sharing Ann. These stories of courage in the struggle to establish freedom and democracy must be shared widely so that we do not forget. We must counter the voices of those that would turn freedom and democracy over to a traitorous, convicted felon.
We won’t forget it.
Thanks for your comment, Patris. Putting together this post has been very moving for me.
I appreciate that - and you.
Well stated. I have been fortunate to visit Normandy as a tourist and ithe D-Day beaches and the memorial site one of the most moving experiences I have experienced in all of my travels. Seeing them in person versus the movies is far more impactful regarding the courage it took yo mount the offensive and win the world than anyone can imagine. The answers to your questions are NO.
Thank you for your comment, Scott. If putting this post together has proven to be so moving for me, I can only imagine what your experience must have been.
No, we must never forget. Bringing Civics back into High Schools might be a start to helping future generations realize their part in the success of our country. But each one of us needs to stand strong and speak up about our convictions (pardon the pun, 45); we need to fight for our democracy every day, and ensure that honor and decency are not forgotten along with the sacrifice that so many have made, to keep our country Free, and Of the people, For the people, By the people. Truth dies in silence, Democracy dies by apathy.
Thanks for your comment, Lauri. Let's keep the convicted felon out of the Presidency.
Indeed. That is the first order of business. Then it's holding to account all of those Congress people who took part in the insurrection and/or promote the Big Lie. We must all be vigilant, critical of what we hear, and willing to do what it takes to debunk the conspiracies and call out the lies. Each one of us has a part to play in keeping our Democracy whole. Thank you for the vital part that you play in that effort.
Thanks for all you do!
Civics was removed from the curriculum in California when I was in Junior High (yes, long enough ago that it was Junior High, not Middle School), which means the early 70s. Why? Reagan was Governor of the state, so that should suffice as the reason. Student Government was also removed.
I agree, it really isn't very surprising that the youth of today know so little about our country, our government, and our civic duties as citizens to keep our Democracy alive. I think that if Democrats could stay in office long enough to finish cleaning up the messes that Republicans always seem to leave behind, we might be able to start addressing these issues and bring such classes/activities back into schools. Yes, I have a dream...
Well said, Lauri.
Thank you, Manuel. And thank you for creating such a kind, rational and communal place for us to all share with, learn from, and educate each other.
My dad kept a stack of those photographs from the landing of troops (I now keep in a box along with photos of him shirtless in the Philippines doing work in government-issue trousers). He was on a supply ship off the coast during the landing. Not one of those men came back untouched, deeply marked by the weight of what they saw or did or what it meant to a world in full-blown crisis. Days like yesterday only escalate my confusion, grief over the reckless attitude toward our freedom. Keep writing, sharing, ... believing we'll prevail. Another four years with President Biden will be far from perfect; they will be messy and tumultuous - but it's another four years we would have to help "right-the-ship."
Thank you for your heartfelt comments, Karen. We must persist in building democracy and a more just world.