Major Ziegenfuss speaks to the American Legion

This Memorial Day weekend, Major Charles W. Zeigenfuss shares the text of his speech to American Legion Dick Munkres Post 287 in Savannah, Missouri.

Commander Burns, Ladies and Gentlemen, friends and family: thank you for attending this remembrance for our fallen warriors.

On the 23rd of July, 2003, Captain Joshua T. Byers, 29, of Sparks, Nev.; assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, in Fort Carson, Co.; was killed when his convoy hit an explosive device. Josh was not only my friend, but was my mentor and peer.

While supporting (which is a Department of Defense word for fighting) in Operation Enduring Freedom, another very close friend of mine was killed. He died May 29, 2004, just two days short of a Memorial Day, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when his vehicle struck a land mine. Captain Daniel W. Eggers, 28, of Cape Coral, Florida. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), from Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

LTC Gary R Derby, 44, of Missoula, Montana; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division; died Feb. 9 2009 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained when a car bomb was driven into his vehicle. LTC, then Captain Derby commanded a company in my battalion when I was a young shave-tail lieutenant. Aside from his candid leadership and sense of humor, he was the kind of guy who you could always count on to tell you when you were being an idiot—and how to really improve on style points.

One thing that each of these heroes had in common—besides having the unfortunate luck to serve with me, was that they took their duty very seriously; and themselves much less so. The loved the military, they loved serving this country; every day, and no days off.

Each was a family man. Each left behind a great legacy. Each served to the fullest measure. I am sure if they had the chance to be alive today, each would ask that someone who died alongside them would instead take their place among the living.

Many of our fellow citizens have no understanding of the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, other than it means a long weekend. Many people, especially those with no connection to the military, often confuse the two, citing Memorial Day as a day to thank those serving the nation in uniform. Recently, a friend of mine commented that “Memorial Day is meant to pay homage to those who gave their lives for this country and our way of life. It is a day to honor the dead. There is NO such thing as “Happy Memorial Day.”

Respectfully, I disagree, in part, anyway.

Memorial Day is a happy yet solemn, joyful yet tearful, partly sunny yet mostly cloudy kind of day.

We are living the days these men and women never will. Live them well, be happy, and enjoy the blessings of liberty their service and sacrifice have bought. Although we take pause today to remember their absence, we must also take this day to celebrate the very liberty they have secured.

Memorial Day should be a "happy" day, the same as Easter. We remember the sacrifice, and the cost, yet we rejoice in the promise of chocolate rabbits, only six more weeks till spring (if Christ came out of the tomb and saw his shadow) and painted eggs, god-awfully early church services, plastic grass, and kids on a blood-sugar bender. We remember the sacrifice, and the cost, of the loss of friends and family on this day. I remember Josh wearing a cape and boxer shorts and little else, standing in the Kuwaiti desert and saluting passing vehicles. I remember sharing stories and fixing the world’s problems over barbeque and beer with Dan. I remember Gary creatively counseling another lieutenant who just refused to “get it.” I remember these men fondly, and am thankful to wear the same uniform, to serve the same nation, and to carry forward where they cannot.

Dan, Josh, and Gary can't spend this day, or any other day with their families, or among us, and we are a poorer nation because of that. I miss them, but today I pay special attention to their absence, and jealously guard my time with my family. We will have a happy day, because my friends, my mentors, my brothers have already paid for it, in advance, with interest.

I do not mean to suggest that it is proper to tell a recent widow to have a “Happy” Memorial Day. I know the families of the fallen, and especially the recently fallen, spend this day in grief, but they spend this day remembering none the less. They will, in time, first recall the good things, the joys and happiness, the special days; and will lock away the days which hurt the most. These families, these survivors, have something their warriors no longer have… time. They have time to grieve, time to mourn, and time to heal. They will, soon enough, spend their memorial days at family barbeques, pool openings, amusement parks, and all manner of fun and happy occasions.

On Memorial Day, these families, mine and hopefully yours, will also pause to remember all of the joyful times we spent with those who have stood their final muster, and then we too, will go on living, and have a happy Memorial Day.

Thank you for your time and your attention.

National Anthem

I went to my first baseball game of the season today. I hadn't seen most everyone I know out there since September, so after getting side the park, I started making the rounds. I was at the First Base Gate when it was time for the National Anthem. I couldn't help but notice a young man in front of me facing the flag and saluting...



That's his pink cotton candy in his left hand ;-) Sorry it's not a better photo - I had to take it with my cell phone...

Update 5/24/10: Thanks, MaryAnn, for helping clean up the image so we can see that young man a little better!

Book Club: Bendigo Shafter

Over at Grim's Hall, Grim proposed doing a kind of book club, beginning with Louis L'amour's Bendigo Shafter. I'd not really read any of L'amour, except for a copy of Last of the Breed my dad had many years ago. So, I decided I'd give it a go and ordered the book. So far, we're to have read through Chapter 3, with discussion to be found here. I received the book a week ago, and read those first chapters by Sunday. Since then, I've tried to read about a chapter a day. I read Chapter 9 last night before going to bed. I'm enjoying the book, and figure I'm on track to meet Grim's suggested pace of ten chapters a week. I've you've a mind to, why don't you look up a copy, catch up on the book and join us?

Declaring Independence

A little history lesson for today.

Don't Mess with Texas Tea Party - Austin

I made myself unavailable to substitute teach today because I wanted to attend the Tea Party at Austin City Hall. I've never done anything like this before - attending a protest of any kind - and I wasn't sure what kind of gathering it might be, given the liberal tendencies of the city in which I live. Let's just say, it turned out very well. I'll only be posting a few pictures for now, but when I have time, I'll write more, off the notes I took. I got there early (parking garage ticket said 10:17am, and the event was scheduled to begin at 11:30). They announced that the police department estimated attendance was 1500, and when that announcement was made it was said to be a "conservative" estimate!



Uncle Sam was passing out these:



Mine now hangs from my rearview mirror...

Some kids were there, too:





Some people displayed flags with historic significance:

From the Texas Revolution:
"Come and Take It"



The 1824 flag



From the American Revolution:
The Gadsden flag: "Don't Tread on Me"



The Betsy Ross flag



The MC today was a bricklayer from Odessa, "Jason the Mason":



There were all kinds of signs, as well:













There was lots of Red, White & Blue being worn. I even wore the t-shirt I got last summer that I couldn't wear until recently, and someone was passing out buttons:



Everyone was very well behaved, I didn't see anything that could be considered "trouble". The crowd got a little loud and raucous at times, but that is only to be expected. More later when I have the time...

They did say there would be another event later today, at 4:30, at the State Capitol Building, but I've got someplace else I have to be: work...

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

As I get ready to celebrate out at my Grandma's house this afternoon (Dad has cooked the turkey and is working on the cornbread dressing, and I've taken care of a couple of chocolate pies, and everyone else will contribute some dish or other to the feast), I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I know things aren't as I would wish them to be at this time, but I try to remember that things could be worse. Even though there is much I would like to be different in my life and in the world, I still have much to be thankful for: a roof over my head, food on the table, family and friends whom I love - and love me, and I am a citizen of the best nation in the history of the world.

I would also like to thank all those who serve - or have served - who help make the life I have possible. No matter where you are in the world today, know that many Americans - this one included - appreciate all the sacrifices you have been willing to make for the rest of us.

For a bit of history, The Lost Story of Thanksgiving.

An American Carol

I went to see An American Carol yesterday afternoon. I have to say I agree with Wordsmith over at Flopping Aces (H/T: CJ @ ASP):

The movie itself is uneven, crude, unapologetically- nay, proudly- pro-American, over-the-top, simplistic, funny, stupid, less-than-funny, hilarious, offensive, mercilessly lampooning the American Left. I loved it.

I don't usually go for David Zucker movies (Airplane! and The Naked Gun - generally not my preferred sort of humor), but I figured any movie that openly made fun of The Left deserved my support. I went to the first showing - 12:30pm Saturday afternoon. When I got to the 14-screen cinema, the parking lot wasn't very full, and there were maybe a dozen people there to see An American Carol. After the movie ended, someone even applauded! I laughed; I got a little teary-eyed with American pride. I'll try to see this movie again before it leaves the theater...

Judging from what Wordsmith had to say, not all theaters showed the same previews before the movie. The ones I saw were Oliver Stone's W, Defiance, Proud American and Milk. The only one I'd heard of before was W, and I thought to myself that people going to see Carol likely weren't the same folks who would be interested in seeing W...

Defiance, set to be released December 12th, looks to be an excellent movie. It is the true story of three brothers, Jews from Poland, who escape the Nazis into the Belorussian forest where they eventually come to lead a group of resistance fighters and save the lives of many Jews.

Proud American, in the trailer, seemed to be a series of vignettes of different inspiring American stories. The movie's website says:

This story takes the audience to the most stirring and heartwarming scenes in America. History, adventure and spectacular scenery are the backdrop. Opportunity, personal responsibility, and the free enterprise system is the platform in which America's success is molded. We are a nation that owes much to many. This is an American story told through the magic of magnificent music performed by top performers, breathtaking photography, thrilling aerial scenes, and some of the most touching human moments ever presented on the giant screen.

I admit that isn't very helpful, but it could be an interesting movie to see - if I had a clue as to where it is showing, since it came out in September...

Milk - starring Sean Penn - another movie I thought wasn't really for the same target audience as Carol... It is the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person to win public office in the United States, winning a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Might be an interesting story, but I've long since decided I won't go see any more movies with Sean Penn in it...

I just hope An American Carol does well, and that Hollywood will figure out that if they make movies celebrating America, Americans and American Exceptionalism, people WILL go. Kind of like the voice from the cornfield in Field of Dreams: "If you build it, they will come..."

Challenger: A Free-flying American Bald Eagle

Got this link in an email from a new internet acquaintance. Challenger is an American Bald Eagle who was rescued at five weeks of age who became human-imprinted and unable to be re-released into the wild. He is now an ambassador of the efforts to preserve his species. He was named to honor the astronauts of the Space Shuttle Challenger that was lost on January 28, 1986.

A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution

Constitution Day is September 17th. That is the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. You might use this occasion to share A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution by Betsy and Giulio Maestro with the children in your life.

No story about the Constitution would be complete without a little of the history behind it. The book begins simply enough explaining how the thirteen colonies had declared independence from England, and that a war had been fought in which the colonies won their freedom.

But after 10 years, in 1787, things weren't going well - the thirteen states weren't working well together and weren't acting as one nation. The leaders of the country wanted to do something about it before things got even worse. It was decided that all the states would send representatives to Philadelphia to try to fix things.

Some delegates to this convention arrived early and started to share their ideas with one another. Many of them were already acquainted from working on the Declaration of Independence or fighting in the Revolutionary War. Some delegates were late - travel took a long time by horse or carriage, and the weather was terrible. The convention took place in the same building where the Declaration of Independence had been signed. George Washington was selected to run the convention, and James Madison volunteered to record the meetings.

First, the Virginia Plan was presented. It was a surprise because it was proposing a new government instead of just fixing the old one. They voted and decided to create a new government.

Now the job of the convention would be to write a new constitution, a set of rules for forming a new government, and another set of rules for the new government to follow.

The small states didn't like the Virginia Plan because they would have no influence because they would be outnumbered by representatives from the big states. The small states made their own plan, the New Jersey Plan, where all the states would have an equal say, no matter how big they were. Most delegates voted against the New Jersey Plan. Then, the Connecticut delegates came up with another idea: some parts of the Virginia Plan, some parts of the New Jersey Plan, and some new ideas, too - the Connecticut Compromise.

After the Great Compromise, some delegates took a little vacation because it was very hot in Philadelphia. But, some of the delegates, the Committee of Detail, decided to keep working. They took the parts of the Connecticut Compromise and made a rough draft of a new constitution. When everyone was back, they discussed and debated and eventually "agreed on almost everything." Another group, the Committee of Style and Arrangement, would write a final draft, "making sure that every word was just right. At last, the Constitution was complete."

On September 15, the delegates voted to sign the new Constitution. Forty-two members were present, and only three did not agree to sign. Then the words were copied onto parchment, a very special kind of paper that last for a long time.

On Monday, September 17, 1787, the convention had its final meeting. Thirty-nine delegates signed the new Constitution. Some of the original fifty-five delegates had left the convention in anger because they did not approve of the new Constitution. Some others would have signed, but had to return home early.

The work wasn't finished yet. "The Constitution had to be ratified, or approved, in each state before it could become law. The delegates had to convince the people in their home states to vote for the new Constitution." At least nine states, or two-thirds, would have to agree to establish this new form of government.

Delaware was the first state to approve, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut. Then Massachusetts, then Maryland and South Carolina. New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the new Constitution. By May 1790, all thirteen states had agreed to the new Constitution.

A new Congress was elected, and it immediately went to work. Law courts were set up, and the new government seemed strong and sound.

But still some Americans were worried. They believed that certain important rights of the people were not protected under the Constitution. So, to ease these fears, Congress proposed some additions to the Constitution.

The first ten additions, or amendments, are known as the Bill of Rights. In part, they state that people have the right to say what they want, go where they want, and pray to God in the way they want, without fear that the government will stop them. The Bill of Rights has turned out to be a very important part of the Constitution. It protects people from losing the freedom that is so much a part of American life.

The end of the story explains how this American form of government "is the oldest set of rules for running a country still in use in the world. It created a government that has worked better and longer than any other in history." Also, the Founding Fathers wrote it "with the idea that the power of government should come from the people."

At the back of the book is a section titled Additional Information About the Constitution. Here you will find: the Preamble to the Constitution and summaries of the seven articles that make up with Constitution; the signers of the Constitution - exactly as they signed; important dates - from the First Continental Congress in 1774 through Virginia ratifying the Constitution in 1791; notes on the Connecticut Compromise; interesting facts about the convention and the delegates; order and dates of ratification; and finally, summaries for the twenty-six amendments to the Constitution.

While this book may not be some great work of literature, it clearly and simply explains how our nation came to be in its present form and would be a terrific resource to teach younger children about it (the book is recommended for children about 7 years old).

A Boy at War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor

I learned of A Boy at War while I was substitute teaching last year. I was in a 5th grade class, and one of the students had done a book report on it. I asked him if it was a good book, and he said yes. So, I added to my list of "books to check out". I have a number of things on my "wish list" with Barnes & Noble, so when I need a little something to bring my order up to the free shipping level, I've got some things to pick from. A Boy at War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor, by Harry Mazer, arrived yesterday. I finished reading it this evening.

It is 1941 and fourteen-year-old Adam Pelko and his family have recently moved to Hawaii. Adam's father is a lieutenant in the United States Navy, assigned to the USS Arizona.

Adam has a little trouble making friends at his new school. Before, he'd always gone to school with kids like himself, who had fathers in the military. In Hawaii, he's going to school with civilians. As his father reminds Adam, he might be the one wearing the uniform, but the whole family is in the Navy... Adam does make a connection with a Japanese American boy named Davi.

One day in early December, Adam runs into Davi while he is out riding his bike. Davi invites him to join his team in a game of "coconut ball"; the other team - of native Hawaiian boys - has five players, but Davi's team only has four. Adam knows one of the Hawaiian boys, Martin, from school, too. Adam watches the clock and starts to head home, so he'll be back by 1800, per his father's orders. Davi goes along with him. On the way home, Adam doesn't notice a pothole and rides his bike into the hole, breaking the bike. Davi convinces him to bring it to his house - his dad can fix anything. Adam will be late getting home either way, but if he goes with Davi, at least he won't be coming home with a broken bicycle. Mr. Mori fixes it, but won't accept any payment for it. While at Davi's house, Adam sees a picture of Hirohito on the wall. Davi explains that his parents, born in Japan, are issei, but he, "born here", is nisei, and is "One hundred percent American." Before Adam goes home, Davi invites him to go fishing with him, to meet at six o'clock the next morning.

When Adam gets home and explains why he was late, his father tells him he cannot be friends with Davi. Lt. Emory Pelko understands war is coming with Japan, and that while it was okay to have a Japanese nanny or gardener, it was not okay to have Japanese friends. Then, Adam goes with his parents to the movies while his little sister, Bea, stays home with Koniko, the nanny. When they return home, Emory has a message; he calls the base and finds out that he is needed to cover for the duty officer, who has a family emergency. He tells his wife he should be home by Sunday afternoon...

Adam decided not to tell his parents about his invitation to go fishing. He doesn't want to have to tell Davi that he's not allowed to be friends. When Davi and Martin show up a little late, Adam can't bring himself to say they can't be friends, and they head off to go fish. Davi leads them through a fence onto the naval base. Adam isn't sure about fishing in Pearl Harbor. But, he follows Davi and Martin through the fence anyway, while thinking about what his father had said the night before: "What you do reflects on your family;" but he decides that he wouldn't ruin his father's career by fishing.

They can see all the ships along Ford Island. Adam identifies the ships for his new friends and tells a little bit of what he knows about them: how many guns, how big they are, how many sailors on the crew. They find a rowboat along the shore and decide the fishing would be better if they took it out into the harbor than if they stayed on the pier.

Once they had rowed out into the harbor a bit, they can hear the bugle calling reveille and the ship bands playing The Star-Spangled Banner. Adam then worries that his father might see him in the little boat out in the harbor from the Arizona, and that it might be better if they moved elsewhere.

Just then, a group of planes flies overheard, some "coming in low over the water". At first, Adam thinks it must be some sort of exercise, a war game. But then, he also realizes that those planes don't have American markings, that they appeared to be Japanese. There is an explosion on Ford Island. It's almost like the news reels before the movies. It doesn't take Adam long to realize this is all very real. However, Davi doesn't seem to notice that the planes are not American, and is standing up in the boat, cheering. Adam gets angry and attacks him. Martin breaks them up, and they start rowing for the shore:

They rowed hard, away from the battleships and the bombs. Water sprayed over them. The rowboat pitched one way and then the other. Then, before his eyes, the Arizona lifted up out of the water. That enormous battleship bounced up in the air like a rubber ball and split apart. Fire burst out of the ship. A geyser of water shot into the air and came crashing down. Adam was almost thrown out of the rowboat. He clung to the seat as it swung around. He saw blue skies and the glittering city. The boat swung back again, and he saw black clouds, and the Arizona, his father's ship, sinking beneath the water. (p. 45)

Then:

Everything happened at once. The plane...bullets darting across the water...screams...the boat shooting up into the sky.

Adam hung in the air. He saw the red circle on the fuselage, he saw the gunner in his black helmet, and below him he saw the empty rowboat. Then he was in the water, down under the water. Water in his nose and in his throat. He came up next to the boat - it was almost on top of him. He clung to the side, choking and spitting.

The boat rode up and down with the waves, and he hung there, staring at the ragged row of holes along one side. They were so regular they could have been made by a sewing machine needle.

Something awful had happened. The sky was black where the Arizona had been. "My god, my god, oh, my god." He clung to the side of the boat thinking, It's Sunday morning, and we were fishing.

Suddenly there was silence. He could hear the wind. The planes had cleared form the sky. Our side is coming, he thought, and he pulled himself half out of the water and looked around for Martin and Davi. He was afraid. He wanted to see them, and when he didn't, he didn't let himself think what he was thinking - that they were dead.

"Davi," he called. "Martin! Davi!" His stomach clenched. "Martin...Davi..."

He got in the boat. His back was burning, and when he touched it, there was blood on his hand. Had he been shot? He didn't know. Maybe a bullet had grazed him.

"Davi!" he shouted. "Martin!" He stood up. In the distance he saw something bobbing up and down in the water, maybe a piece of driftwood. Then an arm came out of the water and he saw Davi and, beside him, Martin.(pp.46-47)

With one oar, Adam rows out to Davi and Martin. Davi is okay, but Martin won't get in the boat. Adam then sees Martin has a "splinter the size of a pencil...sticking out of his chest.". Davi and Adam manage to get Martin in the boat and then onto the pier. Luckily, a car drives by and stops, looking to pick up any wounded, but not before some sailor sees Davi and hits him with a pistol, thinking he's "got a Jap". Adam intervenes with the sailor, and Davi and Martin get inside the car, while Adam holds onto the center post while standing on the running board.

Adam falls from the side of the car when an explosion nearly runs it into the harbor. The car keeps going without him, and Adam is alone. He goes back to the rowboat and just sits. Before long, an officer comes and assumes Adam is a sailor. He orders Adam to row. Adam begins to explain, but the officer says "Sailor, shut you mouth. Get this slop bucket moving." He is to head to the West Virginia. Adam speaks again later, trying to ask about his father, Lieutenant Pelko, from the Arizona.

"The Arizona? Take a look," he said furiously. He pointed to where the smoke was thickest. "There, that! That! That's what's left of it, that pile of scrap. The USS Arizona is gone," he said bitterly.

Adam isn't able to get through to anyone that he is just a kid and doesn't really belong there. He is conscripted to help. First, he carries ammo to the guns on the West Virginia - where he see a "colored sailor" (Dorie Miller, from the Author's Note) manning the gun - but also sees "pieces of the ship and pieces of men [rain] down around him. A foot. An arm. He saw everything through a red haze. He ran. He slipped in blood. The launch was still at the foot of the ladder, and he fled the ship." Then helps pull men out of the water, and when one burned sailor's skin comes off in his hands, he vomits. They take the wounded to shore and find out where to take them. Adam and the sailors he is with then get rounded up by a Marine sergeant who wants them cleaned up - they are covered in oil - before taking them to the armory. They are to go to the main gate for security.

Adam decides, with the crowd around the gate, that he should try to sneak away. He can only think of his mother and little sister alone in the house, not knowing where he is. He hitches a ride on a truck near the gate - the driver would like a guard, and Adam still has the rifle he was issued. Luckily, Adam had already known about guns, although he'd never handled a rifle before. He makes it home, and hides the rifle in the bushes before going into the house.

All the neighbors are in the house when he arrives. His mother is relieved to see him, but he won't explain things until he's been able to clean up. He falls asleep before he can talk to his mother. By the time he woke up, all the others had left and he spoke with his mother. He bring the gun into the house, and his mother reminds him to "set the safety".

Adam knows in his heart that his father is dead, but when talking to his mother, until they get official word from the Navy, there is still hope. On Monday, Adam's mother asks him to turn on the radio for the broadcast from the mainland. They hear President Roosevelt's address asking Congress to declare war.

They continue to wait, and try to sort out fact from rumor. Martial law had been declared: no school, no banks, no government offices are open. Adam sleeps on a cot in his mother's room with the gun on the floor under the cot to guard both his mother and his little sister, Bea.

Adam goes to Davi's house. He is okay, but Mr. Mori was taken away by the FBI on suspicion of being a spy. Davi and Adam visit Martin, who almost died, who is still in the hospital.

Adam also tries to get onto the naval base to find something out about his father, but they won't let him on without ID.

Koniko returns after two weeks, now wearing western clothes instead of her kimono.

A telegram arrives at the Pelko house. Mrs. Pelko asks Adam to read it:

THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR HUSBAND LT EMORY J PELKO HAS BEEN MISSING IN ACTION AT PEARL HARBOR SINCE 7 DECEMBER 41 CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS J A ULIO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL

Adam finds out that all dependent families are to be sent back to the mainland. Adam doesn't want to go. He feels like that would be abandoning his father. But, he has no choice. They leave on a troop ship with other dependent families and lots of the wounded. Adam says goodbye to his father as he drops a lei into the water near Diamond Head... dropping a lei in the water means that you are coming back...

In the Author's Note at the back of the book, there is more of the historical background: how the US didn't think Japan was enough of a military threat and how they were more concerned about sabotage from the Japanese on the islands; how the Japanese navy crossed the Pacific undetected; how they intentional attacked on a Sunday because they knew the fleet would be in port, the tally of the battle: 2,403 American servicemen dead but fewer than 100 Japanese, 5 U.S. battleships sunk and 3 destroyers and 3 light cruisers damaged, 5 Japanese midget submarines and one full-time submarine lost, the Japanese fleet escaped, 164 U.S aircraft destroyed and 29 Japanese planes that did not return to their carriers; how the attack failed in its objective of destroying the Pacific Fleet (although I do note that there is no mention of the fact that the American carriers were at sea at the time of the attack); how "Remember Pearl Harbor" became the rallying cry of the Pacific War; how persons of Japanese origin were interned on the mainland, but not in Hawaii; about how the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, all volunteers of Americans of Japanese Ancestry, fought valiantly in Europe; and how the Arizona was never raised and today serves as a memorial to all those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

This book isn't for young children. It's recommended for 12 years old and older, but I think it would be suitable for children as young as the fourth grade, or about 10 years old. While the book isn't really gory, it does not shy away from the realities of war. It's not a long book, coming in at 104 pages, including the Author's Note. But, I do think this is a good book for children to make a connection to history through the eyes of a young man. And, with the United States involved in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, if may offer an opening for talking to older children about war without necessarily addressing the current conflict we are engaged in.

I do know that A Boy at War is not the only book by Harry Mazer about Adam Pelko. It is followed by A Boy No More and Heroes Don't Run, which I have not yet read.

Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue has long been a favorite piece of music. I never knew the story behind it, though, until I read Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue by Anna Harwell Celenza and illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel. If you don't think you know Rhapsody in Blue, Unites Airlines has long used it in their TV commercials - if you heard it, you'd know the piece, whether or not you know the name of it...

In January 1924, George and Ira Gershwin and their friend B.G. "Buddy" DeSylva are in a pool hall in New York City's Lower East Side. George and Buddy are playing pool while Ira is reading the paper. Ira comes across something he wants to share with the other two:

In an attempt to determine "what is American music," orchestra leader Paul Whiteman is organizing a concert entitled "An Experiment in Modern Music." This concert will take place in Aeolian Hall on February 12 and will be attended by the world's musical elite.
...
Included on the program will be a new composition by local composers. George Gershwin is at work on a jazz concerto that will be featured in the concert.

There was only one problem: George wasn't writing a jazz concerto. He'd discussed writing new music with Paul, but a concert had never been mentioned. George went to talk to Paul.

"You're looking a little steamed," said Paul. "How come?"

"How come?" replied George. "I just read in the paper that in a few weeks I am supposedly premiering a concerto that I haven't even started writing yet!"
...
"I can't do it," said George.

Paul convinces George to give it a shot. George looks for inspiration by listen to Liszt and Chopin, trying to improvise on the piano, walking in Central Park, even buying new paper and a pen. George also had to get ready for a new musical he had written that was opening in Boston. He had decided to call Paul and tell he him couldn't do it.

However, on the train to Boston, he found his inspiration:

As the train made its way north, George listened to the wheels rocking against the tracks - rattlety, rattlety, bang, rattlety, rattlety, bang. Soon his hands and feet began to imitate the rhythm - clappety, clappety, tap, clappety, clappety, tap.

George looked out the window and his mind began to drift. At first the rhythm of the train reminded him of the klezmer band at Ira's bar mitzvah years ago - clappety, clappety, tap. He could almost hear the wailing strains of the clarinet against the syncopated rhythm of the fiddle.

George's thoughts drifted to the Palais Royale: dancing the foxtrot, cheek to cheek, with a beautiful girl. Clappety, clappety, tap - the foxtrot reminded him of ragtime. He remembered roller-skating to the Barron Wilkins Club in Harlem. Since he was just a kid then, he was never allowed inside, so he sat on the curb and listened to the intoxicating rhythms and harmonies - clappety, clappety, tap - ragtime and the blues.

Clappety, clappety, tap, clappety, clappety, tap. George listened to the rhythm of the train for a long time, and as he did, he got an idea about how he could write his concerto. "Instead of comping new melodies, I'll use the music that's already in my head," he thought. "Klezmer, foxtrot, ragtime and blues. My concerto will be a tuneful kaleidoscope - a rhapody about the music that surrounds me!"

Two weeks later, he returned to New York with his nearly complete concerto, which he played for his brother and their friend Buddy. He knew something was missing - something to tie it all together. Buddy suggested George needed a break, that he should join them for a party, "a real swanky affair", on Madison Avenue.

The party had a penthouse view and a grand piano, "and as usual, George was drawn to it like a bear to honey" and started to improvise; he found the missing piece the theme - to tie his concerto all together. "'It's a love song for New York,' he thought. 'All that time in Boston almost made me forget.'"

George thought of calling his new concerto American Rhapsody, but Ira thought it needed something "with more pep." Inspired by the names of the works by James McNeill Whistler (Nocturne in Black and Gold, Arrangement in Gray and Black [more commonly referred to as Whistler's Mother]), Ira suggested putting a color in the title. The result was Rhapsody in Blue.

George handed his piece off to a friend, Ferde Grofé, to write the orchestra parts. Rehearsals began on February 4th for the concert on the 12th. George would play the piano solos.

The night of the concert, the Aeolian Hall was sold out. But, the audience was getting angry because they weren't hearing anything new, and some people got up to go. Paul had George play his new concerto right then. "All at once, the clarinet let out a wail that made the fleeing listeners stop dead in their tracks." Everyone went back to their seats, and became more enthusiastic the more they heard.

George had somehow captured the spirit of modern life - the hustle-bustle rhythm and the electric energy of Manhattan. Rhapsody in Blue marked a new direction for modern music. George had composed an American masterpiece.

The Author's Note at the back gives a little bit more information about Gershwin, and gives Gershwin's own description of his inspiration for this magnificent piece of music, as well as why he chose the color blue: it is "a reference to George's use of blue notes (notes added to the traditional musical scale that help give jazz its distinctive sound) throughout the piece." Included with the book is a CD. The author explains "I relied on the 'commemorative facsimile edition' published by Warner Brothers in 1987, because this version comes closest to the score prepared for Whiteman's concert 'An Experiment in Modern Music.'"

While this book is recommended for children between the ages of 4 and 8, I think it can be used with older children, especially in the context of music education: it's not just about the music, but also about the inspiration behind it. Not ever learning to play the piano is a regret I have. There was never an opportunity as a child, since I didn't have access to a piano. I worked on it a little as an adult, when Lyric Mezzo and I were roommate and I had access to her fabulous antique upright (even if it was sometimes out of tune), but I never had the time it would have take to make any real progress. Even if I can't play the music, I have a great appreciation for it. Every child deserves the opportunity to gain an appreciation for truly great music, and Rhapsody in Blue is one such piece, and a truly American one, at that.

Celebrating Independence Day

I started celebrating Independence Day yesterday, leaving work a little bit early in order to miss out on most of rush hour traffic and get up to Round Rock in time to pick up some dinner on the way and still get to the Dell Diamond by the time gates opened at 5:30. The Express had several things lined up for this year's Military Appreciation Night.

Fans were invited to bring items for care packages to the troops. Inside the Home Plate gate, there was a large banner laid out on a table for fans to sign with well-wishes to the troops.

There would be a group of new Army recruits taking their Oath of Enlistment prior to first pitch.

All Express employees who have served in the Armed Forces were asked to join the new recruits on the field to be recognized before the Presentation of the Colors by the Round Rock Army Recruiting Depot's color guard.

The team would be wearing special patriotic jersey that will later be autographed and auctioned off on eBay to raise funds for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Once the jerseys are up for auction, I'll link to that separately. Last year's patriotic jersey auction raised more than $11,000. It would be nice to see that figure surpassed this year... I like these jerseys better...






















During the game, which was being broadcast on FSN, one of the new recruits got his hair cut for the camera...















The celebratory mood was helped along by a 6-3 win over the Albuquerque Isotopes to sweep the series. And, of course, there would be fireworks after the game. The display lasted for more than 15 minutes. I recorded most of it (sorry for the poor audio quality and the mostly out-of-focus fireworks), but for time's sake, I've only shared the finale. Enjoy!

Cassandra's Love Letter to America

If you don't check in on Cassandra over at Villainous Company regularly, you're really missing out. Today, she lets us know why she is patriotic in her Love Letter to America. Excerpting it cannot do it justice. Do yourself a favor and read the entire essay.

Let's hear it for America

From The Australian:

THERE is a certain familiarity to the concomitant series of actions and reactions when disaster strikes in the world. The US stands ready, willing and able to offer assistance. It is often the first country to send in millions of dollars, navy strike groups loaded with food and medical supplies, and transport planes, helicopters and floating hospitals to help those devastated by natural disaster.

Then, just as swift and with equal predictability, those wedded to the Great Satan view of the US begin to carp, drawing on a potent mixture of cynicism and conspiracy theories to criticise the last remaining superpower. When the US keeps doing so much of the heavy lifting to alleviate suffering, you'd figure that the anti-Americans might eventually revise their view of the US. But they never do. And coming under constant attack even when helping others, you'd figure that Americans would eventually draw the curtains on world crises. But they haven't. At least not yet.

...

There is a teenaged immaturity about the rest of the world's relationship with the US. Whenever a serious crisis erupts somewhere, our dependence on the US becomes obvious, and many hate the US because of it. That the hatred is irrational is beside the point.

We can denounce the Yanks for being Muslim-hating flouters of international law while demanding the US rescue Bosnian Muslims from Serbia without UN authority. We can be disgusted by crass American materialism and ridiculous stockpiling of worldly goods yet also be the first to demand material help from the US when disaster strikes.

The really unfortunate part about this adolescent love-hate relationship with the US is that, unlike most teenagers, many never seem to grow out of it. Within each new generation is a vicious strain of irrational anti-Americanism. But unlike a parent, the US could just get sick of it all and walk away.

The US has had isolationist periods in the past and it must be enormously tempted sometimes to have another one soon. The consequences of that possibility deserve some serious thought. If the neighbours worry about Russian bullying over oil and gas, just imagine a Russia unfettered by a US military presence in Europe. How long would South Korea, Israel or Taiwan last if the US decided it wanted to spend on itself the money it presently devotes to military spending in the Middle East and Asia?

None of this is to say the US does not deserve loud and frequent criticism. No country has as many or as strident critics - internally and externally - as the US. The US actually promotes such debate. But just occasionally we should moderate that criticism when circumstances demand a dose of fairness.

Indeed, why not break into a standing ovation every now and again? As more US C-130s and helicopters stand waiting on Burma's doorstep, desperate to help a shattered populace and stymied only by an appalling anti-US regime, this is one of those times.

Let's hear it for America.

H/T: TigerHawk

Showing some class

On thing I like about attending professional baseball games is the singing of the National Anthem before the game. The other day, I saw this video. It appears to be from the 2007 season. The Boston Red Sox were hosting a Disability Awareness Day, and the National Anthem was being sung by one of the disabled persons being recognized. Partway through the song, he begins having trouble getting through it. No matter your baseball allegiances, you have to admit the Boston fans showed a lot of class in how they reacted to this young man's difficulties with the song:



There's just something about hearing the entire stadium singing together. I've been able to be a part of that a few times at Express games, too.

H/T: On -my-soap-box

When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots

In Lynne Cheney's third picture book, When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots, she alters the format from the previous books, America: A Patriotic Primer and A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women. This time, her prose is accompanied by the wonderful oil paintings of Peter M. Fiore. This is truly more of a history book than the first two, as well. Like the other books, this one is recommended for children ages 5 to 8.

Mrs. Cheney, once again, opens with a note to the reader. She begins:

"One of the tales I like to tell my grandchildren is about Washington crossing the Delaware. It's a compelling story, and it helps them understand that our existence as a free and independent nation wasn't always assured. Given the way that the Revoluntionary War was going in the months leading up to Christmas 1776, the most likely outcome was that we would remain a British colony. But then George Washington and his men took history into their own hands and changed its course."

Throughout the book, Mrs. Cheney's text and Mr. Fiore's paintings are accompanied by a quote from a person who witnessed the events of December 1776 and early January 1777.

The actual story begins with November 1776 when the war was not going well for the rebellious colonists. After defeats in New York, Washington and his men had to retreat in the face of a British pursuit. "How could the Americans, who were mostly new to fighting, ever hope to defeat the well-trained British?"

The Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, managed to reach Pennsylvania, but they were tired, hungry and cold: many of the soldiers had no coats or shoes, and there were not enough provisions to go around.

With the Americans on one side of the Delaware River and the Hessians, the German mercenaries, on the other, Washington met with his generals to make plans for "a bold and daring course" that the Hessians would not expect. They would attack the Hessians in Trenton, New Jersey, in the early hours of the day after Christmas.

The words of Thomas Paine, who had accompanied the Americans in the retreat through New Jersey, helped to inspire Washington's troops: "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

When the time came to advance upon Trenton, not everything went as planned. The river was clogged with ice. It took longer than expected for Washington's men to cross the Delaware, and two of his commanders were unable to defeat the ice and were unable to continue with the mission to Trenton. However, the march to Trenton proceeded with Washington's 2400 men - an hour after the last of the men and guns had reached the shore, they began the 9 mile trek to the city, "hours later than Washington had planned." Although he had planned to attack before dawn, it would now be daylight by the time they reached Trenton, but it was too late to turn back - they had to continue through the cold and icy weather, and hope they still had the advantage of surprise.

At first contact, it was evident that the element of surprise had been maintained. The Hessians were unprepared and were unable to mount a defense, so they retreated from the city's streets into a nearby orchard. A young Alexander Hamilton and a young James Monroe both participated in the Battle of Trenton. James Monroe, our fifth president, was badly wounded leading a charge against a pair of Hessian cannons. The Hessians attempted a counter-attack, but their commander, Colonel Johann Rall, was fatally wounded as were many of his men. In the end, the Americans defeated the Hessians, capturing 900 of the Germans, while suffering few losses of their own.

Washington's next challenge was to get his soldiers to continue the fight against the British, as they were all enlisted to leave at the end of the year. Extra pay was promised, and he appealed to their sense of patriotism. "This was an hour of destiny, he told one regiment, a time that would decide America's fate. If they wanted their country to be free, they had to keep fighting." He succeeded, as many of his combat experienced soldiers chose to stay.

Expecting to be attacked by the thousands of British and Hessian soldiers in Princeton, "Washington sent out a call for more forces." He orders some of the troops to slow the British advance. When they reached the bridge at Assunpink Creek, returning after their mission, they could see General Washington on the other side.

"'I pressed against the shoulder of the General's horse and in contact with the boot of the General . The horse stood as firm as the rider.' John Howland, Private, Lippitt's Rhode Island Regiment"

The British commander, General Charles Cornwallis, believed Washington was trapped, and could be dealt with the next day. Washington knew most of Cornwallis' men would be with him, outside Princeton, so fewer troops would be within the city. In the night, Washington had some of his men remain in the camp to maintain the fires and make noise typical of a full camp while he moved out with the rest of his troops towards Princeton. Washington's plan worked - it was until after dawn that Cornwallis realized what had happened.

In the first encounter with British troops, many Americans were killed, and those who survived were in retreat. General Washington, riding a white horse, rallied his troops and lead them toward the British line. When the next part of the battle began, the General was between the two lines, and many thought he would surely die. He came out unscathed, his troops maintained their positions, but the British began to retreat. Several hours later, the battle was over, and the Americans had won the day, again.

"General Washington and his men had stood with their country in a time of crisis. When they were cold and hungry, they did not quit. When the conflict was hard, they fought on. And when they won, the victory was sweet. News of Trenton and Princeton spread across the land, lifting the spirits of patriots everywhere. Many a battle lay ahead, but now Americans could think of winning their war for independence. Now they could imagine that their great struggle would have a glorious end."

Mrs. Cheney cites each of the quotes at the back of the book, if one is interested in learning a little bit more.

Unlike Mrs. Cheney's first two picture books, this one lends itself to be read aloud to a group of children. With Mr. Fiore's paintings depicting the events of that winter, children can see what it was like for those brave patriots at the time of our nation's birth. I can only recommend you add this book to your children's book library, either for your children or your classroom.

Veterans Day 2007

My grandmother was born on Armistice Day before there even was such a day. Veterans Day has always been acknowledged by my family. My father, who now teaches history at a local high school since retiring from the Army, sent me a few photos of the Veterans Day observance on Friday at his high school which was presented by the high school ROTC. I'd post them, but I'm not sure whose they are, so I don't really feel I've got permission to put them up. The high school does this every year, and the veterans on staff at the school (including my dad) are invited to participate.

Originally posted November 7, 2006

What is a vet?

I don't recall where I got this piece - I'm sure I received it in an email years ago, and ever since, I always dust it off and sent it out in email to most of my address book. This is the first Veterans' Day since I began my little blog, so I thought I would post it here. I don't know who wrote it, and it is becoming dated, only describing veterans through Desert Shield/Desert Storm, but that shouldn't matter. I would be willing to take suggestions for additions to this list.

Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye.

Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg, or perhaps another sort of inner steel: the soul's ally forged in the refinery of adversity.

Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem.

You can't tell a vet just by looking.

What is a vet?

He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel.

He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel.

She or he is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang.

He is the POW who went away one person and came back another, or didn't come back AT ALL.

He is the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat, but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs.

He is the parade-riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand.

He is the career quartermaster who watches ribbons and medals pass him by.

He is the three anonymous heroes in the Tomb of the Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor dies unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep.

He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket, palsied now and aggravatingly slow, who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come.

He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being, a person who offered some of life's most vital years in the service of his country and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs.

He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.

So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say Thank You. That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been or were awarded.

Two little words that mean a lot "Thank You".



Remember November 11th is Veteran's Day.



"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC

And don't forget, some of our most recent vets could use your help through Valour-IT. Go click on the "Make a Donation" button and give as much as you are able.

And from me to any vet who reads my post, THANK YOU!

Pepper's Purple Heart: A Veterans Day Story

Pepper's Purple Heart: A Veterans Day Story was the first of Heather French Henry's books I bought and was the first of Mrs. Henry's books to be published. I was in the children's section at Barnes & Noble just looking to see what was there when I found it.

Claire wakes up to sunshine and puppy kisses. Then, her best friend, Robbie, wearing his dad's Army helmet and a camouflage t-shirt, knocks on her window and urges her to get out of bed. With a stick propped against his shoulder, he marches through the yard. Mom comments she doesn't like it when they play soldiers, but Claire reminds her, "Did you forget, Mom? We're going to march in a parade for soldiers. It's Veterans Day."

Claire comments that Pepper will march in the parade, too, but first, she and Robbie will rescue Pepper "from the enemy - like Robbie's dad did with real soldiers in Viet-raq." Mom clarifies: "He was in Iraq, not Vietnam. They are different countries, dear."

Claire dresses herself, and gives Pepper a "uniform" of an olive drab bandana. They join Robbie outside. After Pepper is tied up to the picnic table, the children decide their mission will be in Vietnam, not Iraq, since the yard has lots of bushes, more like the jungles of Vietnam than the deserts of Iraq. In the process of completing their "rescue mission", Pepper gets loose and runs out the gate the children left open while they were playing Army. Before Claire can tell Mom what happened, Pepper is hit by a car.

The neighbor, Mr. Jones agrees to watch the "little soldiers" while Mom takes Pepper to the vet to get patched up. Mr. Jones says he knows "all about soldiers." Over milk and cookies, Claire confesses to Mr. Jones that Pepper got hurt because she didn't make sure the gate was closed, like Mom told her. Mr. Jones reassures her: "Rescue missions are always dangerous. Let's wait and see what the medic says about that leg."

Mr. Jones then tells the children that he was a Marine (I'll forgive the "m" in the text...) in Vietnam and had been a prisoner of war. He also lets them know that not all veterans fight in wars, but everyone who serves in the military is considered a veteran. Robbie inquires about the cane Mr. Jones uses when he walks. "I got wounded in the leg, just like Sergeant Pepper."

A part of the book that was very refreshing to read:

"I'm going to be a soldier, too." Robbie tapped his helmet.

"It's important to serve your country, Robbie. But you have to be very alert," warned Mr. Jones.

Robbie teetered on one foot and spun around on the cane. Tumbling off the bottom step, he landed in a heap on the grass. His shirtsleeve had ripped at the seam. "I guess I'm not quite ready to be a soldier."

Mr. Jones laughed and said, "First, you have to go through Basic Training, Private Robbie."

Claire doesn't think she can be a soldier because she's a girl. Mr. Jones sets her straight: when he got out of the prison camp, he went to an Army hospital, where an Army nurse took care of him, and he married that nurse! Robbie says women are always nurses, but Mr. Jones sets him straight, too: his daughter served in Iraq, and she's now a sergeant, and she trains soldiers.

Mom returns with a patched up Sergeant Pepper. It's time to get ready to go to the parade, and the children are still in their dirty and torn play clothes. Mr. Jones comes to the rescue, and lets the children wear some of his old fatigue blouses from Vietnam. Mr. Jones had also changed into what he would wear to the parade: he's in a fancy blue uniform with 4 stars on the epaulettes. It's supposed to be an Army uniform because Mr. Jones was in the Army after the Marine Corps, but it looks more like a Marine evening dress uniform than an Army mess uniform... Mr. Jones then shows the children his medals: a Vietnam service medal, a Prisoner of War Medal, and the third, he lets Pepper wear: "Every wounded soldier gets a Purple Heart."

Robbie knows he isn't ready to be a soldier yet, but he wants to "do something to serve our country." General Jones invites the children to come with him when he visits the VA hospital - he goes twice a week to serve meals, and he says the soldiers would love to met them. After that, it's time to go for the parade. The final illustration shows General Jones, Claire's parents, Robbie's dad and the children marching in the Veterans Day parade. As with the other two books in the Claire's Holiday Adventure Series, Mrs. Henry includes "A Brief History of Veterans Day" on the last page.

As with the other books in this series, this one is recommended for children ages 5 to 9. Unlike America's White Table, this book about Veterans Day may be much better suited to younger readers who aren't yet mature enough to comprehend some of the harsh realities of war, such as those who do not return from it. Pepper's Purple Heart: A Veterans Day Story would be a lovely addition to any children's library, and helps to connect children with an important American holiday.

Happy Independence Day 2007!

Updated:

I had a good Fourth of July. My dad barbequed burgers and hot dogs. I got to hand out little American flags to people - most everyone smiled and seemed quite pleased, and I was even saluted by one guy who said "I've done this before...". I got to see some new soldiers taking the Oath of Enlistment prior to the First Pitch. I sang, along with everyone else at the ballpark, the National Anthem, before the game. More "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch. I got to watch a baseball game - the Express won 9-8 over the Omaha Royals. I also got to wish a 93-year-young WWII vet named Joe a Happy Birthday. After the game, there was a big fireworks display, too. All in all, good times.

A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women

A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women is the second of (currently) four picture books authored by Lynne Cheney. Once again, Robin Preiss Glasser was tasked with doing the illustrations. Like America: A Patriotic Primer, it's an "ABC's of", this time focusing on American women of achievement in various arenas.

Mrs. Cheney's note at the beginning of the book concludes:

"Reaching high and working hard are recurring themes in the lives of those in this book, and so, too, are being brave, never giving up, and caring deeply about the welfare of others. America's amazing women have much to teach our children - and much inspiration to offer us, as well."

Also like America, this book, recommended for ages 4 to 8, isn't really meant to be used as a "read aloud" to a large group of children. It would be best shared between an adult and one or two children together, or a child exploring the book on his or her own - there are many "side notes" to be found within the illustrations that children wouldn't be able to see from far away.

As the title suggests, the book begins with Abigail Adams. Before reading this book, little did I know that she ran the family farm and raised the children while her husband was away doing his part in founding this nation. Abigail wrote to her husband: "I desire you would remember the ladies. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have not voice or representation."

We are introduced to the first American woman to earn a medical degree, and others who would later follow in her footsteps. We learn about some of the women pioneers who went west to places like Oklahoma, Wyoming and Montana.

Emily Dickinson is recalled as "our country's greatest poet". Women educators are recognized, from Mary McLeod Bethune, who founded a school for African-American girls, to Mary Lyon who founded Mount Holyoke College, which gave women the opportunity for higher education.

Each of our First Ladies are honored with an mini-portrait. Barbara Bush is quoted from a commencement speech she gave at Wellesley College in 1990: "Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House as the president's spouse. I wish him well."

Noted female journalists include Nellie Bly, Mary Katherine Goddard and Margaret Bourke-White. Laura Ingalls represents all the girls who helped to make history. Many inventors and entrepreneurs are women, from Martha Coston, who "developed a system of signal flares used during the Civil War", to Stephanie Kwolek, the inventor of Kevlar, to women who started companies selling anything from undergarments or cosmetics to cookies and dress patterns.

Some of the women who looked after the welfare of others are Mother Cabrini, Harriet Tubman and Henrietta Szold. A number of women were aviation pioneers, such as Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart and Dr. Sally Ride.

Georgia O'Keefe and Mary Cassatt are two of several female artists to be spotlighted. Women pioneers in the "halls of power" are Frances Perkins, Esther Morris, and Sandra Day O'Connor. There are almost too many performers to count: Carol Burnett, Isadora Duncan, Mahalia Jackson, Rita Hayworth, Ginger Rogers and Patsy Cline are just a few of them.

"R is for ROSIE THE RIVETER and women who went to war. When American men went to fight in World War II, women filled their jobs. They worked in offices and factories, became welders and truck drivers, and made Rosie the Riveter, with her can-do attitude, a fitting national symbol. Women also served bravely in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army Air Forces."

The women of the suffrage movement are named: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony are just two of them.

Women scientists and mathematicians include Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (computer science), Dr. Barbara McClintock (genetics), Euphemia Lofton Haynes (mathematics) and Gertude Elion (chemist).

Women can excel in athletics, as well. Examples include Peggy Fleming, Althea Gibson, Wilma Rudolph and Mary Lou Retton.

Again, as with America, there are "Notes on the Text" at the back of the book, which includes a short note from Mrs. Cheney. She says, in part:

"A particularly important source for information about women in American history is the four-volume biographical dictionary Notable American Women, which was published in 1971 and 1980 under the auspices of Radcliffe College. With about a dozen exceptions, the women in this book were born before 1950."

The ABC's of the "Notes on the Text" include a blurb on each woman featured in the illustrations throughout the book.

Once again, Mrs. Cheney's text and Robin Preiss Glasser's wonderful illustrations combine to make this a lovely addition to any children's library. It puts a focus on some truly "Amazing American Women" and offers any child (or adult) opportunities to ignite their curiosity to learn more about the stories of the women who are found to be particularly interesting.