What Went Down in Dealey Plaza

I think it's pretty convincing. But forty seven years later, the Kennedy Assassination yet perplexes the American psyche despite no real evidence of conspiracy existing. The segment above does not delve into the "grassy knoll" shooter theory although that hypothesis is likely unfounded as well. My guess is as good as yours.

And then there is Oliver Stone's JFK (great movie, really bad history) in a league all on it's own. Compare the absurdities in this clip (Viewer Discretion Advised) as opposed to the scaled recreation in the first video. Unfortunately, most people believe Stone's version only because it is the only one they are familiar with. Luckily, Tom Hanks's crew at HBO will soon be producing a miniseries based on Vincent Bugliosi very massive and factual book Reclaiming History. Perhaps only then will the false perceptions of this tragic event be overturned. Part 2 of this clip may be found here.

Hymns to the Fallen

Veterans' Day Throughout America

Lancaster, Pennsylvania Armistice Day Parade - 1942.

The notions of Veterans' Day evoke powerful images in the mindsets of American citizens. I have had an ancestor or family member fight in every American war since the nation was founded. While I celebrate their service, I also realize that the commemorations of Veterans' Day has as rich a history as the wars, conflicts, and veterans they honor. Thus, rather than just musing about the importance of this day as a part of our national identity, I found it even more fitting just to show you how this day has been remembered since 1918. Even amidst epidemics, depressions, and war, the tradition continues. I think you will find that most of these photos and images speak for themselves.

Ad for the United War Work Campaign, slated to begin the same day the First World War actually ended.

"Local Board #17, last quota, 815 men, Nov. 11, 1918, L.A." Taken the very day the armistice was signed. Panoramas such as these were very popular around the turn of the 20th Century. They were often taken at graduations, commemorations, or military formations such as the one above. Click to enlarge these and the two following photos.

"First Division reunion dinner, Camp Dix, N.J., Nov. 11th, 1920. " Another great panorama of a commemorative event. Note how many are still wearing their uniforms.

"First Division reunion, Camp Dix, N.J., Nov. 10-11, 1920." Note General John "Blackjack" Pershing sitting in the photo's center right above the caption.

"Arrival of body of unknown soldier, 11/9/21." This photo was taken aboard the USS Olympia, the famed flagship of Admiral Dewey during the Spanish American War. The vessel was subsequently used in the Great War. The ship brought home the first Unknown Soldier to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Although it is now a museum, it lacks funding and is rusting away in Philadelphia Harbor. Currently, the U.S. Navy is considering scrapping or scuttling this historic vessel out of no other option of preserving it! Can you believe that? Supposedly, November 22 is it's last day open to the public before it is taken out to sea. So sad...

"Washington Monument on armistice night, 1921."

"Genl. J. S. Carr, May Belle B[...], Major, 11/22/23 ."Alright, I just found this image too cool not to show.

Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. 1924.

President Calvin Coolidge at the same ceremony.

Armistice Day services at Peace Cross. 1924. Unknown location.

"Palestine disturbances 1936. Celebration of Armistice Day at the War Graves Cemetery on Mount Scopus." We often forget that Armistice Day was truly an international holiday since it commemorates the end of WWI.

"General John J. Pershing, at the White House, Armistice Day - 1938." 20th anniversary of the end of the Great War and the eve of yet another.

"Armistice Day parade, Omaha, Nebraska" - 1938

This photo actually commemorates the beginning of WWI. Taken in 1939 in Washington.

"Chicago (north), Illinois. On Armistice Day, a city-wide scrap collection drive was held. Trucks were lent by city and private truckers, and services were donated by members of the Teamster's union." 1942.

"Lititz, Pennsylvania. School children singing at the Armistice Day rally." 1942.

The Invisible Wounds of War

I am pleased to discover that HBO Films is delving yet again into historical subject matter. In fact, they are quickly replacing the (former) History Channel as far as high quality productions about the past go. HBO's most recent documentary, entitled Wartorn: 1861-2010 explores the vitally significant but greatly understudied topic of depression, hysteria, and post-traumatic stress throughout America's wars beginning with the American Civil War. Presented and produced by James Gandolfini of The Sopranos fame, the film includes interviews by historians, generals, and individual military personnel who have gone through or are still coping with the psychological blows of warfare. According to an NPR article discussing the film, "Top military leaders are now addressing the lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD) which were ignored for many years because they were seen as a sign of weakness. Last week, Gen. George Casey, the chief of staff of the U.S. Army, called PTSD 'the defining military health issue of our era.'" Wars change throughout the ages, yet the common exertions and mental limits rarely do. This important film premiers on HBO at 9 p.m. EST on Veterans Day. Included below are two videos, the first being the trailer for the film and the second being a thirty minute panel discussion at the Pentagon talking of the ongoing struggles to help veterans dealing with PTSD. If you or anybody you know suffers from this condition, please visit here.

Film Trailer.

Panel Discussion at the Pentagon.