Monthly Archives: November 2024

World War I
The war to end (all) war(s)

Today is not Veterans Day, but a little background on tomorrow.

It was referred to in various ways at the time, but never as WWI-that came later with the advent of WWII. It was first known as The Great War. History is such that the end of World War I set the stage for the next, the peace terms being such the Second World War was inevitable.

Approximately 9 million soldiers died during WW I, and the civilian death toll has been estimated between 5 and 13 million. But consider this: civilians perished due to various causes related to the war, including famine, disease, and direct military actions. The connection between World War I and the 1918 flu epidemic is evident in how the war created conditions perfect for the virus to mutate and spread.

The epidemic, sometimes referred to as the Spanish flu, took the lives of 100 million people worldwide. All of a sudden, the death toll can be said to be 120 million, almost one in ten people worldwide.

Technically, there was no surrender but an armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. So, if you’re older, you will recall commemorating Armistice Day each November 11 instead of Veterans Day. In my school, at 11:00 a.m., we paused for a moment of silence.

Call it what you will; the net effect was a surrender, and terms against Germany were harsh. Despite the high loss of life, I’m not sure the world learned much during the bloody fighting between 1914 and 1918. The fighting stopped November 11, 1918-the 11th hour of the 11th month; the war officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, but effective January the following year. It becomes confusing, but we see the cessation of hostilities on November 18, the date recognized as Armistice Day, now Veterans Day.

World War I was in the news in 2018, at least in my mind. President Trump wanted a large military parade. Those against all things Trump ridiculed the idea, calling it “Trump’s Parade.” There were at least two such parades at earlier times. Given cost considerations, President Trump canceled it.

I favored it—not as a supporter of the president, but because it marked the 100th anniversary of the war’s end. While it may not have accomplished the goal of ending all wars, a fact we quickly found slightly less than 21 years later, we let the politics of hate get in the way of a historical lesson that would be repeated in future wars, though on a smaller scale.

History is always important but often ignored. Of course, we all know the quote, stated in various ways by various people: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” In other words, learn history or keep making the same failed mistakes in the future

By the way, I believe it is wrong to say Happy Memorial Day; it’s okay to say Happy Veterans Day, but if you see one tomorrow, “Thank you for your service,” is best.

Veterans come in all shapes, both sexes and all races. The ones still with us fought on the front lines in Okinawa, in the Battle of Bulge, Anzio, the Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Hue, Firebase Ripcord, Grenada, Panama, Kuwait, Baghdad, Kandahar, Fallujah, the battle of Do Ab, and the list goes on. We still have soldiers stationed around the world. Americans have stood guard over the rest of us all over the globe.

But today is a day not just for combat veterans but for all veterans. Many people think of the ones on the line first, but it takes more than combat troops to make an army, and all are important. All who put on the uniform are at risk.

Veterans come from all walks of life. They are parents, children, grandparents, brothers, and sisters, all charged with the duty of keeping you safe.

When you see one, not just on a day set aside for Veterans but all days, say thank you for your service and for keeping me safe and free!

Four years before an amendment giving women the right to vote, Jeannette Rankin was elected to the United States Congress in November 1916. Rankin was also instrumental in initiating the legislation that eventually became the 19th Constitutional Amendment, granting voting rights to women.

Rankin served just one term but came back in 1940 at 60, defeating the incumbent, an antisemite, and served another term. She did vote against entry into WWII. She was the only vote against going to war, stating, “As a woman, I can’t go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else.” As a side note, she voted against entering WW I.

Rankin’s first election and worked on the 19th Amendment during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, the well-known progressive who has been called the Godfather of Liberalism. Wilson opposed the Amendment initially.

While one would expect her to be a democrat, Rankin ran as a Republican for a good reason, but not crucial for this. She died in 1973, about a month short of her 93rd birthday.

November 8, 2010, I was on my way to court for a hearing. I wasn’t quite a mile from home when, on a curve, a car came left of center. I’ve detailed the whole thing before, so I won’t now. But remember, this came to you without warning. It can be a game changer.

For November, it was a warm, sunny day. It was so nice, the evening before I went for a bike ride. I didn’t know it then, but it would be one of the last bike rides of my life, except for a stationary bike in the house, which is nothing but boring. My favorite activities over the decades, hiking in the mountains and climbing, pretty much ended that day.

If this happens to you, here are some things you should do. I didn’t because I had to have the door opened by paramedics and was transferred to an ambulance, an old word now, but I’m old. It’s hard to believe this was 14 years ago. Here are some things to keep in mind, and while I could go into more detail on some, this is an overview. Consult an attorney.

1. Avoid moving your vehicle unless it is hazardous to other traffic.

2. Turn off the ignitions of the cars involved.

3. If possible, make a medical check of all persons involved in the accident. Again, I didn’t because I could not exit my vehicle after the collision.

4. Call the police and, if necessary, emergency medical services. Chances are, someone will have already taken care of this.

5. Get the names of all persons in the motor vehicles and people who witnessed the accident. When gathering names, get a contact number. (also see no. Seven below)

6. If you are able to do so, make a quick diagram of where the vehicle occupants were seated and indicate the vehicle’s direction of travel and lane. Also note the date, time, and weather conditions. The more information you can remember and write down at the time, the better. The police will obtain much of this information. Getting it immediately, though, will help keep everything fresh in your mind. With that, keeping a daily journal is a good idea.

7. Ask to see the other driver’s license and write down the number. Get the other driver’s phone number as well. Also, get the name of the driver’s insurance company, and don’t be afraid to ask for an insurance company to write the information. In speaking with the other driver or anyone else, DO NOT discuss “fault” or make statements about the accident to anyone but the police, and you may want to limit it as well.

8. Contact your vehicle insurance company as soon as possible. Incidentally, although it does cost more, always try to keep full coverage on your vehicle. Medical pay offered is very important, and it costs little to increase the amount. Having coverage for underinsured and uninsured is extremely important, in my opinion. Having full coverage costs more, but it pays for itself if there are injuries.

9. Get a copy of the police report. This is easier today than ever before. In a matter of days, you’ll start receiving letters from attorneys around the state doing personal injury work. I’d likely avoid them, but included with their promotional material will no doubt be a copy of your accident report.

10. Since I mentioned it, getting an attorney is up to you, but it’s always a good idea. Always remember the insurance company is trying to settle cases for the least amount possible, and your job is to be fully compensated for all losses. And, you need not settle immediately. Recommendation: DON’T!

In Ohio, you typically have two years from the accident date to settle a claim or file a legal action. Otherwise, your claim could be forever barred. Going back to insurance companies, the company, even if your own, is not your side. Unfortunately, I’ve seen various techniques used to make it seem the opposite is true, and then suddenly, the time runs out. I’m not saying this is typical, but keep it in mind. It may be your own company you are dealing with, for example, an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.

11. Get to your doctor immediately to ensure everything is okay. Some injuries don’t manifest themselves immediately.

Stay safe, but always be ready! These things can happen in seconds or less. By the way, time does seem to slow down, and airbags hurt.

Today In History
November 07, 1811
The Battle of Tippecanoe

In 1811, American military forces defeated the Shawnee chieftain Tecumseh and his confederation of Indian warriors at the Battle of Tippecanoe.  General William Henry Harrison gained fame and popularity from the victory, which eventually catapulted him to the White House in 1840. I’ve been to the battlefield. The battle is an interesting story for another time. Some of the trees were there at the time of the actual battle.

He only served 31 days until death. Three people served as president within a calendar year: Martin Van Buren, Harrison, and John Tyler. This happened again when Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, and Chester Arthur each served in 1881. Hayes and Garfield were both from Ohio.

Benjamin Harrison of Ohio, his grandson, served as a president toward the end of the 19th century.

While in Congress, she introduced legislation that eventually became the 19th Constitutional Amendment, granting unrestricted voting rights to women nationwide.

Each November 3, I post a picture of my dad and write something long about him. It’s usually a story about growing up as a youngster or certain values he instilled in me. I was going to write something new I learned not long ago, but that can wait until another time.

Not this year. Just three photos, the non-color ones in 1952, the year I was born. Today, I mark my dad’s 104th birthday. I got him a gift for his birthday, the first in more than twenty years. My dad had two requests of me before he died.

The first was a military funeral. Typically, it would be handled locally, but I got a regular U.S. Army burial detail from Kentucky. The playing of Taps always overcomes me with emotion. Only a few things do. I remember my dad telling me the words when I was a kid.

The second was a bronze military marker recognizing his service in the Army Air Force in WWII. It took me over 21 years to complete it—such a simple request and easy to do. The delay is on me alone. But the plaque was affixed to his stone three days ago. My last earthly duty is now fulfilled, bringing closure and completion to his journey.

There are times I think about him more than other times: his birthday, certain holidays, the date of his death. Sometimes, out of the blue, I’ll think of him. The love between a father and his son is unique. A son gets guidance, support, and a silent understanding. It evolves.

It differs from what one shares with a mom, which is more nurturing, protective, and emotional. My dad was a stoic teacher. He taught me how to ride a bike, pitch, defend myself, persevere, and prepare for life outside the home—quiet pride by him and unspoken gratitude by me. The fruits of his labor will never be known to him because my odyssey continues.

What I know is his love for me continued until he drew his last breath. Mine for him will continue until I draw mine.