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Today in World War II History

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Posts Categorized: Inspirational

US Coast Guardsman honors the fallen in the Pacific, Memorial Day, 30 May 1944 (US Coast Guard photo)

Remember

On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country. We live in freedom because they fought tyranny. We live without fear because they faced danger. We live in comfort because they gave up all comforts. We live because of their sacrifices.   Let’s never take these gifts for granted. They were purchased at high cost. Over 1 million Americans have given their lives in war (Source:... Read Article

One Hundred Years Ago – A Veterans Day Tribute

One hundred years ago today, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the First World War came to an end. The Armistice was signed for the War to End All Wars, but peace was built on a shoddy foundation, and war returned, nastier than ever. The end of the Second World War brought the United Nations and the promise of rational negotiation and eternal peace. Instead the nuclear era introduced the ten... Read Article
US poster, 1943

Happy Independence Day – Look Back for Inspiration

Happy Independence Day! In 1943, the United States, and the rest of the world, faced a grave threat. Germany, Japan, and Italy, with the other Axis powers, had conquered vast areas of the globe. The Allies were just beginning to make progress, clearing North Africa and invading some Pacific Islands, but the road ahead looked long and difficult. It would prove to be so. This poster reminded the people of 1943 of their... Read Article
US poster commemorating Pearl Harbor, 1942

If Only They’d Listened

On December 7, 1941, two Army Air Force radar operators on Oahu reported a blip on their screen, which looked like dozens of planes approaching Pearl Harbor. They reported it to Lt. Kermit Tyler, who had been on the job only two days. Tyler knew a squadron of twelve B-17 Flying Fortresses was due to arrive from San Francisco and land at Hickam Field at 8:00 am. He told the operators, “Don’t worry about it.” (ht... Read Article

The Advent Wreath – Christ Is Born!

One of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus. On Christmas Day we light the final candle – the Christ Candle. If you’d like... Read Article

The Advent Wreath – Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

One of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus. This Sunday, December 22, is the fourth Sunday in Advent, but it’s never too late t... Read Article

The Advent Wreath – While Shepherds Watched…

One of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus. This Sunday, December 15, is the third Sunday in Advent, but it’s never too late to... Read Article

The Advent Wreath – O Little Town…

One of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus. This Sunday, December 8, is the second Sunday in Advent, but it’s never too late to... Read Article

The Advent Wreath – Messiah Is Coming!

One of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. We light the candles, read Scripture passages, and sing carols. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus. The Advent wreath became ... Read Article

Lessons from the 1940s – Watch out for Stereotypes

During World War II, stereotypes were used in posters, newsreels, and movies to demonize the enemy and motivate people to fight. It’s much easier to fight an enemy you hate. Nowadays, these images make us wince. We’re too enlightened to stereotype people. Or are we? Most of us would be ashamed to admit we have stereotypes, but deep inside we classify people. Judge people. Treat people differently. Skin co... Read Article