Poppy's Front Porch - in the Missouri Ozarks

Poppy's Front Porch - in the Missouri Ozarks
This photo was taken in 1949. My cousins and I remember the porch after our grandfather walled it in, added a door and big screen windows.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Just time for a quick reminder

Tomorrow, September 19th, is International Talk Like a Pirate Day! So, you've been warned. Enjoy throwing in a few "Ahoy, matey" and "Arrrgh!" and such like comments into your conversation. If you like, that is.

And as it happens, that's all the time I have for this post. Arrrgh!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Ninth anniversary of 9-11

I have mixed feelings about marking the anniversary of 9-11. Let me hasten to say that first and foremost, we must never forget what happened that day; we must never forget the heroism of those risking all to save what lives were saved. I guess I’m frustrated that I don’t know I should deal with the anniversary. I don’t want to ignore 9-11 here, but I really have little to say that I haven’t said already (click on the 9-11 label below if you wish to read those earlier posts).

I wonder if people from the WWII generation had similar doubts about how to remember Pearl Harbor each December?

This year we’ve been treated to new controversy, particularly about whether or not a big mosque should be built within sight of ground zero. It seems to me – not an original thought, I’ve heard others say this – that it’s the difference between whether they have the right in this great, free country to do so (yes), versus “considering our past history, is it the wise thing to do?” (I’d say no, move it just out of sight…they’d still have their mosque in the same community).

This could cause heated debate any time, but it seems like everything’s a bigger controversy in an election year.

At any rate, I decided how to mark the day without deciding, at least consciously. I went about my day’s activities as I normally would. Did a few things around the house, and went to the Midwest Genealogy Center to do a bit of family tree research. Later I assisted my wife as she grilled hamburgers and hot dogs out on our deck, then I enjoyed supper with my family. A good Saturday was had by all of us.

Of course I was aware of the day, and next year it’s possible I’ll take note of the tenth anniversary more. But as for today, my answer is to just live my life. I have no intention of giving the terrorists, or their supporters, any satisfaction.