To the Left. To the Right.
The Maundy Morning Newsletter - This Week in History November 7 - 13.
Nothing is better than getting back to work a day after we move the clocks back. I’m tired. Are you tired? Well, let’s pick it up and get this week started right!
I hope you all had a lovely weekend, and thanks for supporting Okay History.
I live in Washington, DC. I’ve been here for almost 25 years, with stops in a few other cities due to work. One thing I have enjoyed about living in the city is walking the National Mall.
Beginning with the Capitol, when you head west, you can see the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial. All three are prominent, and when you get closer to the Washington Monument, you can see the Jefferson Memorial to your left and the White House to your right.
Once you pass the Washington, you are steps away from the World War II, which was finally completed in 2004, embarrassingly too long for something so important. As you approach the Lincoln, along the Reflecting Pool, to your left is the Korean War Memorial, where bigger-than-life-size statues of soldiers appear through the trees.
If you look to your right, you see nothing but trees. But if you end up veering right, walking along the path, you will find yourself looking at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this week on November 13th.
The Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, is not one of our country’s best moments. It marked the end of the Vietnam War, where we lost the nation to communists and then, for good measure, treated our veterans poorly when they returned home.
In 1979, a nonprofit was incorporated to create a Memorial for those that served. There was a contest for the best design, and over 1,400 designs were submitted.
Maya Lin, then 21, was chosen the winner due to the design she described as “cutting the earth with a knife, opening it up, and over time the initial pain would heal.” You won’t be surprised that not everyone was happy with the result. People like Ross Perot pulled out of the project once it was decided that an Asian woman would design something he believed to be too dark and negative.
The wall consists of 72 black granite slates that list the names of servicemen and women who are deceased, missing, or imprisoned. The Memorial is built so that names can be added, as determined by the Department of Defense. Only eight women were listed, all nurses, and in response, we added the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in 1993. As a compromise to the negative reactions, The Three Soldiers Memorial was added, depicting three American soldiers who face the wall.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a powerful tribute. You walk in silence along the tight path, and reading the names is a striking reminder that when leadership fails, we all suffer. As you go from left to right, you can see the small flags at the bottom or people rubbing the names on a piece of paper. If you get the chance to visit, the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial is a must.
Okay, let's highlight what else happened this week. Here's what I got:
Home Box Office debuted on November 8, 1972. The paid cable network broadcasts over a satellite. The first program was a hockey game between the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canuks. I can only hope OKH has this type of trajectory over the next 50 years.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated on November 11, 1921. Located within Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb has no dedicated name. Congress created it to honor the remains of unidentified deceased military personnel of World War I. We have added tombs through the years and identified one soldier in 1994. I remember that being a big deal.
The Holland Tunnel opened between New York and New Jersey on November 13, 1927. The vehicular tunnel connects New York City to New Jersey. It’s named after the guy who designed it, Clifford Milburn Holland, a civil engineer who unfortunately died three years earlier.
Last week, I mistakenly said we were set to vote. One loyal reader, who I may or may not be related to and who holds a degree in history, correctly pointed out that voting takes place tomorrow. This is a participatory blog, so always feel welcome to correct me!
I read where Democracy is on the ballot, although I don’t see it specifically on mine. Living in DC affords me many advantages, but voting for representation in the legislative branch is not one of them.
So if you have Democracy on your ballot, I humbly ask that you take the time to vote for it. Because without Democracy, the entire concept of voting is lost for everyone.
If you need any help with voting, I am available for consultation.
I’m grateful I don’t travel this week. Last week I was in Philadelphia and had the chance to visit the American Revolution Museum. If you get the opportunity, I highly recommend stopping by. It was fun to learn more about the birth of Democracy.
I have shared a few pictures of the City of Brotherly Love that I hope you enjoy. (Okay, I can only share one!)
I’ll see you back here on Friday. Have a great week!
Okay,
Chris
