Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!  A nice three-day weekend to honor US veterans like these valiant Marines raising the Stars and Stripes over Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945.

National Bike Month

Ha-ha!  If only Albert could have multiplied the mass of his bicycle by the speed of light squared, he might have had the energy to escape me!!

- Charlie

Together and Equal

On May 17, 1954, the US Supreme Court unanimously rejected its previous ruling that public school education could be separate and equal.  In deciding Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka the highest court in the land mandated that schools throughout the nation be desegregated.  After initial turmoil in the reluctant southern states (surprise, surprise) the public school systems throughout the US began massive efforts to integrate public education.  I, for one, think that mandatory busing was one of the greatest endeavors this nation ever undertook.  Only by sharing daily experiences and visiting different neighborhoods will our children learn not to fear or hate other people simply because of the color of their skin.

Thurgood Marshall was the lead attorney who argued the case on behalf of a group of children who had been denied enrollment in certain public schools based on their skin color.  Oliver Brown, of Topeka, Kansas, was one of the appellants.  Interestingly, Thurgood Marshall would go on to become one of the most influential and celebrated justices on the US Supreme Court.  To boot, he was the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court.

-- Charlie

Happy Mother's Day!

I know, it's technically a Hallmark Holiday but this is one that is well deserved.  After all, without our moms, where would we be?  This is a photo of my favorite mom at Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver during the summer of 1964.  What a fun mom!

-- Charlie

VE Day!

That's right, this week will mark the 65th anniversary of "VE Day!" Victory in Europe, on May 8, 1945, brought an end to the fighting against Nazi Germany during World War II. At the time, Dwight Eisenhower was the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe and he is seen here examining artwork plundered by the Nazi's during their invasion and occupation of their neighbors on the European continent. Also with "Ike" are General Omar Bradley (left) and General George Patton (center, just behind Ike and me.)

-- Charlie