Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad -- Monday, November 17, 2003

[undergroundrailroad]

_______________________________



Hello everybody and welcome to Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad. How is everybody doing today? Today we are serving Chocolate Eclairs and a healthy vanilla tea. Well, I'm happy to see all that have ventured down in the UGRR to say hello and check things out. If your new, I will roll out the RED CARPET for you and make sure you have a proper welcome. Hopefully, I will jump-start your week on a positive note and just plain talk. Talk, however, may be somewhat difficult with one of the subjects that I will confront in the Undergroundrailroad today.

It is to this day one of the most difficult things for me to "talk" about. Describing where I was when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Today, I bring the historic emotions of that day to my beloved Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad. To those who were alive, I hope you will share your thoughts of the day, if you can. To those who were not alive at that time, what have you heard from those who were alive that day? What verbal history can you share in the Undergroundrailroad today?

Briefly, I located the Arlington National Cementery website has beautiful pictures and a New York Times reprint of the day President Kennedy was laid to rest. You will *note* the dated language of the time:

As the caisson came slowly up the hill and the men of religion, or rather of the many religions that have found freedom in this land, went down to meet it, the United States Air Force bagpipe band played a lament - a Negro, wearing the kilt, at the big drum.

I recall the "Negro, wearing the kilt" received tremendous attention of the black or "sepia" media of that time. Clearly, we had passed the color line here. It was considered an honor that an African-American was allowed to take place in such a historic funeral, during a time that segregation was the written law of the south and the unwritten law of the rest of the country.

Yes, times have changed. But then, have they really changed? Sometimes I do miss the innocence of the period and the honesty that we (African-Americans) clearly hoped for in others. But the struggle of our era had only started with the assassination of President Kennedy. Soon, very soon, there would be another murder of a prominent beloved individual. His death, his greatness, would parallel that of a United States President.

Let's enter the Undergroundrailroad.
________________________________



Gravesite Inscription:

Let the word go forth
From this time and place
To friend and foe alike
That the torch has been passed
To a new generation of Americans.

Let every nation know
Whether it wishes us well or ill
That we shall pay any price - bear any burden
Meet any hardship - support any friend
Oppose any foe to assure the survival
And the success of liberty

Now the trumpet summons us again
Not as a call to bear arms
- though embattled we are 
But a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle 
A struggle against the common enemies of man Tyranny - Poverty - Disease - and War itself

In the long history of the world
Only a few generations have been granted
The role of defending freedom
In the hour of maximum danger
I do not shrink from this responsibility
I welcome it

The Energy - the Faith - the Devotion
Which we bring to this endeavor
Will light our country
And all who serve it
And the glow from that fire
Can truly light the world

And so my fellow Americans
Ask not what your country can do for you
Ask what you can do for your country
My fellow citizens of the world - ask not
What America can do for you - but what together
We can do for the freedom of man

With a good conscience our only sure reward
With history the final judge of our deeds
Let us go forth to lead the land we love - asking His blessing
And his help - but knowing that here on earth
God's work must truly be our own.

Inaugural Address - January 20, 1961
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 22, 1963

I was sitting in my usual seat in music class. I loved sitting near the window always curious of the visitors entering and leaving our school. No visitors today I thought as I stared out of the window. Suddenly I noticed the door, to *my* right open. A hand waved my music teacher, Mrs. Wilkerson, out the door. I knew right away something was wrong. My beloved music class seldom had interruptions or visitors. At this point the teacher was outside in the hall for about 5 minutes and the class grew restless. Mrs. Wilkerson came back and gave us her famous "clap clap", bringing the class to attention. She then called on me to come to the front of the class and read a chapter out of our music history book. This would be the second time at that point in my life when my instincts would *not* fail me. I *knew* SOMETHING was wrong, very wrong. But what?? What was going on? I only read two sentences being very nervous to carry out this not so unusual task. I often read a "piece" out loud in class when it was my turn. Suddenly, Mrs. Wilkerson entered the class. She had been crying and was dabbing tears. In an instance you could hear a particle of dust drop in the class. IT WAS STUNNED SILENCE . Yes, she had our attention. We waited for her. Very slowly, very deliberate, almost as if she was imprinting history into our minds, "the President has been shot, the President is dead class." With that, she almost fainted into her chair and I ran forward to catch her. She put her arm around me as if to need to hold on to someone at that very important moment in both of our lives. Do you want a cup of water? "No". Just play the piano Mina, play something that.... I knew what she meant. I very gently unfolded the top of the piano. I played in a very soft, very slow key, AMAZING GRACE. After playing for 5 minutes the moment overwhelmed me and I stopped playing then broke down in tears. Mrs. Wilkerson, who apparently had spoken to my mother, told me that my Mother was on her way to pick me up. In silence, I went back to my seat and clutched my coat. Life was never the same.
_________________________________________________________


Shoshana Johnson


Separate But Not Equal?

The National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial has called upon the U.S. Army 's Acting Secretary, the Honorable Les Brownlee, to conduct an immediate inquiry into and review of the Army's decision to award Army Spec. Shoshana Johnson a 30 percent disability benefit for the injuries she received while a prisoner of war in Iraq.

In his letter to the Under Secretary, Mr. Morial notes that Pfc. Jessica Lynch and Spec. Johnson were captured at the same time in the same attack, and that Johnson was released a week later and is still recovering from gun shot wounds to both of her ankles. "Yet," the letter states, "Pfc. Lynch is receiving an 80 percent disability benefit compared to Spec. Johnson's 30 percent." The difference in classification will mean a loss of nearly $700.00 per month for Shoshana and her daughter.

Today Shoshanna Johnson remains partially disabled, unable to stand for long periods and suffers from flashbacks from her ordeal while in captivity. The disabilities clearly has an impact on her desired career to become a professional chef.

I do believe that Shoshanna is gaining a celebrity status as a result of this unequal injustice. She has received several awards, made television appearances, poetry has been written and published about her and of course, she has that beautiful dynamic smile. Hopefully it will bring attention to her plight and bring discussion to the table when people of color are disproportionately under represented in the battlefield while taking the same risks. Without a doubt Shoshanna should be entitled to the same consideration as Jessica Lynch.

Stay strong Shoshanna!

_________________________________________________________________________



The Boondocks by Aaron McGruder




_________________________________________________________

Questions of the Day


1. Where were you when President Kennedy was assassinated ? What about verbal histories from relatives or friends ?

2. Do you own any antiques? Describe a favorite antique.

3. What are you wearing today?

____________________________________________

OK, I'm OUTTA. See you next Monday 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Good morning Mina!!

Love your dancing letters!!

Your recollection of the day gave me chills Mina.

I was not even thought up yet. I came along in 1970. My father was a copy boy for the Milwaukee Journal, and they stopped the presses, scrapped the edition and put together a quick Extra paper. Thinking about it to this day, he says, is surreal.

My favorite antique is a set of cast iron frying pans that my husband's great great grandmother had. They look as good as new and fry up just as well as when they were new. Indestructible.

I am wearing blue jeans, a maroon oxford shirt, a barette to keep my bangs back and my dweeb glasses...

Hope the week is wonderful to you!!!

Hugs, Laura

[undergroundrailroad]

17. Good Monday Laura. Like the dancing UGRR :-)

Thank you for your comments. That day was much like the way your Dad described it, "surreal". So your Dad saw the day in a unique perspective. Print was the way most people received their news. You never quite believed the radio or TV. But if you saw it in print, it was final. The last word. Yes, extra editions were printed several times that day and my mother purchased a couple of copies. No, she does not have the original newspaper (I wish). That would be a very special keepsake of the day.

I just love those heavy black cast iron skillets. They prepare the best fried chicken and cornbread in the world! Enjoy your pans :)

So, today you have on your comfy jeans, a maroon oxford shirt, a barette and your dweeb glasses. Sounds very preppy ;-) I have always loved oxford shirts. When I was much younger, I would wear a slim tie to complete the set.

Laura, thanks for dropping in today to say hello to me. I hope your week is wonderful to you!

Love,

Mina :loveya: :hug:

[GOPisEvil]

2. Good morning Mina!

Terrific thread as usual. Mmmmmmmm...chocolate eclairs. :9

Arlington Cemetary is such a humbling place. I remember visiting the gravesites of the Kennedy brothers, and thinking how history of this country would have been different had they lived.

In my perfect world, Shoshanna and Lori Piestewa (I fear I have misspelled her name) as well as the men who were POWs would all be treated equally. It's unfathomable that one POW was singled out. But then, with this most political of all White Houses...

1. I wasn't around then. My parents and I haven't really spkoen about it much. (Edit - I remember being in school when Reagan was shot. For us kids it was a little freaky, but we didn't "get it". The teachers FREAKED - I understand why now, but thought they were overreacting then.)
2. I own a few. My favorite is a Hamilton wristwatch dating to the 1930s. Of course, when I had it cleaned last, the person who "cleaned" it damaged the inner workings. Sigh...I need to take it to a REAL professional and have it repaired.
3. Today I am wearing a white dress shirt with thin, blue vertical stripes, gray slacks, loafers, blue and red tie. :stylin':

Hope you have a terrific Monday! Look at my new sig line - the golf cart is back full time!

[undergroundrailroad]

18. Awe lookin good today GOPisEvil! How are you today.

As always, thanks for the golf cart. Love seeing it roll across the screen. Yes, I noticed yesterday that it is now apart of your sig line. Well, I hope DUers will enjoy it as much as I do. But I have you all to myself on Monday :).

About Arlington. I have never been there but that must have been an emotional visit. Thinking about history. I remember President Kennedy's handling of the weapons crisis in Cuba. What a diplomat, what class in the way he handled the REAL weapons of mass destruction.

Lori Ann Piestewa was one of the few Native American women in the military and the first to die in combat. Here is a link that talks a little about her.

Your looking very nice today ;-) White dress shirt, gray slacks and loafers.

I also like that Hamilton wristwatch! Very nice :) I agree, you need to get a professional to look at the watch. Take good care of that. A very nice antique indeed!

Thanks for stopping in and sharing your thoughts. Have a great rest of your week.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[ZenLefty]

3. Wonderful thread as always, Mina

I have an interesting story about Shoshana Johnson - you should check it out here.

1. Wasn't born yet, and mother doesn't talk about it much. As for myself, I don't think I'll ever truly understand what it was like. Had to have been there.

2. I have several. The oldest is a document dating back to 1743, describing some land back east. My favorite is an authentic Japanese Wakizashi (short sword), probably from the late 1800's.

3. Work attire. Sweatpants, NYPD sweatshirt, and slippers.

I heard they made a movie about me!! I hope they got all the facts right. :D

[undergroundrailroad]

19. Thanks Zen for the compliments and for sharing that story

about Shoshana Johnson. I think initially I think initially her father did not want media attention. That is until he realized that media coverage of one's injustice can be a good thing. Then he sought out Jessie Jackson for help. I just feel this family was not accustomed to the media spot light that they were suddenly thrust into. Shoshana seems to handle the media well and is very photogenic. I really believe good things are about to happen for her and I wish her all the best. She is one strong sister that admire.

So, your mother doesn't talk about that day in history. I do understand. *I* really don't talk about it at all. I just decided to do so today. It's a hurtful part of American history that I lived.

Now you have a very interesting antique. A document dating back to 1743! WOW! You also have a authentic Japanese Wakizashi (short sword), probably from the late 1800's. Wow, wow, wow! Back to the document. What is it? Is it in good condition? I love antiques and like to learn how people acquire them.

I see you are comfortable in sweats and your NYPD sweatshirt.

LOL! Yes, Zen-Tupac, there is a movie about you.

Have a great rest of your day and week.


Love ya,

Mina :loveya:

[ZenLefty]

41. That old antique document & the sword

How I acquired it is a good tale: I found it at a yard sale, on a sort of "junk bin" table. The guy wanted $5 for it, and at that price I didn't want to pry into it (in case he realized it was probably worth $200-$300, or more).

It's difficult to read - they spelled things differently back then and the letters don't all look the same as they do now. Best I can tell, there was some kind of boundary dispute between two landowners. One guy thinks his property boundary is at the river, but his neighbor thinks he owns all the land up to the rock and the big tree. So the magistrate brings in an "experte", who tells them where the boundary actually is. The document goes on to say that if they don't like the "experte's" opinion they can go pound sand.

The property they describe is in King George County, back in Virginia. I have no idea whose property it was; for all I know it could have been James Madison's property.

The sword was dirt cheap too - the vendor wanted to get rid of it because it had an ivory tsuba (handguard) and there are laws in place regarding the sale of ivory goods (so he said). He wanted 90 bucks for it. I've seen them go for several thousand, but mine is realisticaly worth a few hundred at most. Fine quality and workmanship, but very plain, with no distinguishing marks on it.

[Punkingal]

4. Good morning, lovely Mina....

thank you so much for your tribute to President Kennedy. He is the reason I became interested in politics, in the fifth grade, when he ran for President. I thought he and his family were so brilliant, and he made me feel as if I could make a difference.

I was in basketball practice in the gym when I found out President Kennedy had been shot. We just continued to practice, because we had a big game coming up on Monday. (It was cancelled.) And it was too much to take in, anyway. Then someone came back in the gym and said he had died. Our gym was separate from the school building, so after we dressed and walked out to go to the next class, someone was lowering the flag to half staff, and that made it so real. It was like being hit with a ton of bricks. Forty years later, I can still see the faces of my friends as we walked up that sidewalk. It was devastating. And the principal, a most unemotional man, came on the intercom and officially told us, and his voice broke. Sad, sad, sad. The whole week-end was sad, and I have a montage of pictures in my head to this day. And I am one of those people who feel that nothing has ever been the same in America since that awful day.

And I don't care that his reputation has been sullied over the years. He is still my ideal politician, because he asked us for our best, and made us believe we could achieve it.

On edit, my favorite antique actually is in my sister's possesion. It is a real carnival glass vase, not the imitation stuff of the 70's, and it is unbelievably beautiful.

[undergroundrailroad]

20. Good morning Pukingal.

I want to thank you for sharing with me and others in the UGRR your history of the day President Kennedy was shot.

As I read your story, I thought back to my own. One thing that we both have in common is that "montage of pictures" in our head. There were no VCR's to tape the day and it's aftermath. There were no instant cameras or video cameras to capture the moment. It was only us and yes, that montage of pictures imprinted in our heads of the history that we lived that day.

Yes, President Kennedy was the real people president and he had so much class.

Now, to change the subject. I want to talk about your favorite antique, your red carnival vase! I collect carnival glass also. I have a milk colored carnival glass vase. I'm going to display it for the holidays placing some holly vines and berries inside of it. I had it wrapped up concerned that it would break. But I think you should enjoy your favorite things and I decided to use it as a part of my holiday decorations.

Well, here's a :hug: Pukingal and thanks for stopping in to share your thoughts with me and the UGRR.

Have a wonderful day and week.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[Kamika]

5. That Boondocks was great

ohwell my parents were just kids by the time he was shot, and I doubt they even knew who he was, living in postwar south korea. I have absolutely no antiques and I'm currently in a nice blue cheongsam.


Shoshanna is a real war hero btw

[undergroundrailroad]

22. Good Monday Kamika and thanks for stopping in the UGRR!

Well, take your walk Kamika (in your nice blue cheongsam) on the red carpet! Let me welcome you to Mondays in the UGRR a wonderful cozzy corner in DU where we meet, greet, ignore the heck out of spell check and just say what's on our mind.

I appreciate your comments about Shoshanna. I agree, she is a war hero and I see big things for her down the road.

Well, take your turn and wave to the camera :hi:

Thanks for stopping in Kamika. Have a great rest of your week!

Love,

Mina :loveya: :hug:

[Kamika]

26. I wish!

I'm stuck greeting people and showing them to their table :p

Btw ignoring spell checks is my hobby :D

[BigMcLargehuge]

6. Good Morning Mina

Nice article in the UGRR today! Though I was but a separate sperm and egg in 1963 separated by half a world and have no memories of the Kennedy assassination, nor any family reflections that I can remember, I'll give you my thoughts in the most significant national event in my personal history.

We were sitting quietly in Related Science class (science related to the art of Machining, as I was at a trade school). We were discussing how Machinists were integral members of the Space Science community, and that NASA relied on extremely high tolerance machining to ensure the shuttle would work as designed. It was a very proud day as we were privaledged enough to have one of the few televisions on campus in our room so we could watch the Challenger take the first civilian (teacher Christa McCauliffe) into space. We were discussing how the tolerances to which we worked, 5 ten thousanths of an inch, were enormous in comparison to the millionths required by NASA. One my friend piped up, "I guess NASA is out for me then," we all laughed, even our teacher Mr. Messier.

The countdown began and we scrutinized the shuttle on the launch platform, wondered what effect the cold of the liquid oxygen fuel had on the metal surrounding it, how it would effect machined components.

Then, voom! Off to the stars it went. We cheered, all of us, thrilled that our potential future profession was so well represented on the national stage.

But the excitement didn't last. The separation sequence for the booster rockets looked funny, different that it had at any time before. We noticed that the shuttle, all of it including the fuel tank, simply vanished as if someone, something, had simply plucked it from the sky leaving only a puffy cloud by which to remember it.

Five minutes later the choked voice of our school director, Jeff Riley, caughed through the intercom speaker. The shuttle was gone. The astronauts dead. We were to go home and contemplate. The busses were recalled.

A wail of mixed horrible shock and juvenile exhilleration filled the cavernous halls of our school. Most of us didn't understand the impact of the Challenger explosion. For most of us it was a distant event in a distant state with distant people we'd never know, or hope to know. Still, many students in the hallway cried if not for the event then for the realization that their lives too could be so immediately ended and that even with the belief of teenage immortality so strong in our minds, that we too were, in fact, mortal.

In room 215, Machine Shop related, we sat transfixed. There were all of our furthest career dreams, all of our professional pride, careening towards the sea at 32 feet per second, per second.

As for this weeks questions

1. Where were you when President Kennedy was assassinated ? What about verbal histories from relatives or friends?

see above

2. Do you own any antiques? Describe a favorite antique.

I own no antiques of which I am aware.

3. What are you wearing today?

Shorts and a tee shirt, though it's chilly in the home office.

[undergroundrailroad]

27. Thanks for sharing that story.

I want to thank you Big Mac for relating that horrific day of the Challenger Accident. Without a doubt, that day ranks as one of the saddest days in American History. I overheard the news on the radio while driving. I kept hearing "screams" but I thought it was the reaction of the crowd during an exciting takeoff. How very wrong I was. My heart goes out to you because I can just feel your emotions watching the countdown, cheering and then suddenly it all going so wrong. When I reviewed the video on television, I noticed something not looking quite correct with the white smoke. It did look different from other space shuttle launches. I remember getting as fast as I could to a TV. All I could see were the NASA officials shaking their heads back and forth as if to say, what did we do wrong? What hurt me the most was watching the smiling, waving astronauts board the Challenger. What could you do to change time I wondered?

Yes, very painful and this during a time when all could see the accident on television.

Well, Big Mac. I see your in your comfy clothes (shorts/tee) and my favorite outfit as well.

Thanks for stopping in to say hello and have a great rest of your day :hi:

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[Fenris]

7. He Was A Friend of Mine

He was a friend of mine
He was a friend of mine
His killing had no purpose
No reason, or rhyme
He was a friend of mine

He was in Dallas town
He was in Dallas town
Form a sixth floor window
A gunner shot him down
He died in Dallas town

He never knew my name
He never knew my name
Though I never met him
I knew him just the same
Oh, he was a friend of mine

(Traditional with additional lyrics by Jim McGuinn

[undergroundrailroad]

28. Welcome Fenris to Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad and sharing

that beautiful poem.



Thanks for stopping in to check out our Monday cozy corner called Mondays 'IN' the UGRR. I would like to welcome you and hope you'll stop in again.

I want to thank you for sharing that poem, He Was A Friend of Mine. What a wonderful contribution in honor of President Kennedy.

Have a great Monday and rest of your week Fenris!

Warmest regards,


Undergroundrailroad/Mina

[Brewman_Jax]

8. G'day, Mina/UGRR

You're right, we're not close to the Federation in terms of fair and equal treatment. A couple of recent threads in GD and Lounge show that we have trouble getting along and facing reality here.

I read where Spec. Johnson's disability payment is less because she is expected to recover and return to duty. If she is partially disabled, how do they expect her to recover enough to return to duty?

Finally felt good enough to play soccer this past Sunday (hence the avatar). The knee is holding up well, stretching and exercise this week should help more.

Now for your questions:

1. I was in diapers, but not yet crawling when the assassination happened.

2. I own no antiques.

3. Standard work clothes, trousers and button-down shirt.

P.S. Got my star!

P.P.S. The Boondocks is too funny. :thumbsup:

Always good to see you, Mina! :hug:

[undergroundrailroad]

30. Hi Lurking _Argyle :-)

Thanks for stopping in today and I always enjoy your visits.

I'm glad to hear your knee is feeling better and that you were able to play soccer.

OK, now let me check you out!

You were still little Lurking Argyle with your soccer ball of course :)
No antiques yet. BUT! you got your star ;-)
And your in your standard work clothes (trousers and button-down shirt) WHAT!! no Argyle Sweater ;-) ??
I LOVE Argyle Sweaters!

Always good to see you, and let me give my Argyle Sweater a hug :hug: :loveya:

Have a great rest of your week and take care of that knee!

Mina :hi:

[Brewman_Jax]

33. I have argyle socks on

and a drawer full of argyle socks. I like the sweaters, too, but I'll have to be brave and go to the mall and get one, or more. The weather is still nice, but not much longer. Winter will be here too soon.

Have fun, Mina! :hi: :hug:

[undergroundrailroad]

37. I just LOVE argyle socks :-)

Comfy, soft and they feel very nice !


I have a black and white diamond argyle sweater (the traditional one) and I love it, love it, LOVE IT! :)

Have a great week :hi:

Mina :hug:

:loveya:

[supernova]

9. Hey Mina

:hi:

Thanks for sharing your JFK story. I can tell it must have been hard on everyone. I can just hear you playing Amazing Grace. Music class, my favorite of the extra activites. Too bad music is disappearing from our schools. :-( It heals me. I can't imagine anyone wanting to devalue it.

Thanks for the Inaugural speech reprint. I get goosebumps everytime I read it or hear it. There's still so much there for us to take comfort and inspiration from, even if he is gone from us now.

1. Where were you when President Kennedy was assassinated ? What about verbal histories from relatives or friends?

I don't remember the assassination. I was 16 mos old. LOL! But we speak about it so vividly in our culture, that I feel as if I do. We don't lack for opportunities to learn about it and discuss it. I think that's a good thing. Hopefully we won't have another president be murdered in office. Though, it's a balancing act. Having worked on both of President Clinton's campaigns I deplore the way sitting presidents are treated like eggshells that must be cocooned from the rest of the world. It's understandable that the SS would want to be over-protective of any President, but it does take away our ability to interact in a natural way with the President.


2. Do you own any antiques? Describe a favorite antique.

I'm an antique hound! When am I not at the flea market or an auction? Besides movies and music, it's my favorite activity, LOL! If I had to pick one it'd be my bedroom furniture. It was my grandparents'. My mom was concieved in that bed! ;-) It's great heavy mahogany stuff, empire style. I'm not sure how old it is, pre 20 Century anyway. But it's comfy and has many family memories. I have the bed, two dressers and a chest of drawers.


3. What are you wearing today?

Jeans ( I love the new stretch jeans. Wow!) and a green short-sleeved silk sweater top. It's sunny and 65 here today. Lovely. I intend to get out this afternoon and enjoy it.


I think Shoshonna was very brave to have survived like she did. I can't imagine being in that position. I hope she gets more positive attention and the brouhaha over Jessice will die down.

[undergroundrailroad]

32. Hi Supernova, welcome to Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad

Let me get the red carpet out for you Supernova :). Now, smile for the camera and take your turns. Now your an official member and your always welcome to enjoy our cozy corner on Mondays where we ignore the heck outta spell check and say what ever we want. I'm glad you liked the JFK topic today and I always appreciate comments from members.

The history of President Kennedy is something that is apart of our culture. Even the Kennedy family is still very much apart of our culture. So much misfortune has happened in their family.

Now on to antiques! So your an antique hound! So am I :) OMG! What a wonderful bedroom set and the history (your mother was conceived in that bed!!). WOW! I couldn't have asked for a better antique story than that!

And today you have on comfy cozy jeans and a fashionable green silk sweater top. I'm going to call you jazzy Supernova!

Well Ms. Super Supernova, take your final turn down the red carpet!

I will see you next week :hi:

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[ironflange]

10. 'Morning!

1. I was doing my Romper Room gig that day, more details available in another thread. Sorry, my donation hasn't come through yet, so I can't search it out for you.

2. My favorite antique is an 19th Century carving set given to me for Xmas many years ago by Mrs. Ironflange. She was told by the dealer that it had once belongsd to a Scottish sea captain. It has two knives, two forks, and a sharpener, all in good shape. The case is a little ratty looking, but that just adds character. The larger knife is wonderful, thin and razor sharp, and I use it all the time.

3. Jeans and knit golf shirt. I'll be changing to sweats later, as I'm soon out the door for day surgery, I'm having my herniated umbilicus fixed. Wish me luck. If you never hear from me again, you'll know why. :) I'll just be glad to be rid of the thing.

[ScreamingMeemie]

13. Here is your link ironflange

http://democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=714037

[undergroundrailroad]

38. Thanks Mrs. G for the link. Ironglange you were a member of the

cast of Romper Room, WOW!

Very nice!

UGRR Mina :hi:

[foxy]

16. Good luck with your surgery

Hope everything comes out alright.

[undergroundrailroad]

39. Hi Foxy! How was the trip?

Hope all went well.

Have a great week!

Love,


Mina :loveya:

[undergroundrailroad]

35. Hello Ironglange and welcome to Mondays IN The UGRR

Thanks for stopping in and sharing your thoughts. I have rolled out the RED CARPET for you!

I will search out the thread that you reference (you do have your star now :) ) and read it.
Your favorite antique is a 19th Century carving set given to you from Mrs. Ironglange (btw, I'm loving your DU Name). The history of your carving set goes back to a Scottish Sea Captain. I see that you use your antique. I'm starting to do that. WHY should I keep it in the attic. I'm going to start displaying my favorite things and using them in appropriate ways. The important documents that I have will be sent out for framing. After the fires in CA, I became very concerned about preserving these items. I don't think there is enough homeowners insurance to cover even one of my treasures. They mean everything to me and perhaps nothing to someone else. Thanks for sharing you antique story.

I see you have on jeans and a golf shirt.

I see your having had surgery today. I'm going to send you a pm to check on you. PLEASE, let me hear from you!

Here's a hug :hug: and good karma from me :)

Warmest regards,


UGRR Mina :hi:

PS: Your welcome to visit me every Monday in the

[blazinjason]

11. Hi Mina. What a great thread! Thanks for sharing your JFK momements.

I was not even thought about at that time. I would enter this world many years later. What I love about you Mina is you tell us what you were feeling that day. Those significant dates in history, you share so much history with the members of DU. I enjoyed reading your essay and DU is quite lucky to have a historian like yourself. You put 100% of your emotions into the day and it sounded very sad.

My parents never talked about that day and perhaps it was because it was a painful time in their life. Thanks for the link, the photos and your first person account.

I really hope Ms. Johnson has a review of her case. That is just wrong that she did not receive the same disability as Ms. Lynch. They were both POW's. I would have thought both women would have received 100%.

Chocolate eclairs are my favorite snack food. I love them! So maybe after work, I'll pick up a few while reading DU tonight.

I inherited a very old watch from my Uncle. It is in the bank storage box for safekeeping. It has to be more than 50 years old. I want to restore it and wear it. Then, hand it down to my son.

I am wearing a dark blue suit, white shirt, blue tie, black shoes, black socks and Navy coat. Does the dark brown briefcase count ;-)

Once again, thanks for providing your thought of that day and I will check out the Arlington link.

Have a good day Mina and DU.

BJ

[undergroundrailroad]

40. BJ, did you get thos Chocolate eclairs after work??

I would just LOVE a chocolate eclair right now! So, perhaps I will tip toe to the local market and pick up a few for my midnight DU snack ;-)

So, I'm always happy to see you on Mondays 'IN' the UGRR and I appreciate your comments about the topic today.

I provided the Arlington link because it has so much information about the funeral. I'm glad you enjoyed the information BJ and once again, I appreciate your kind words.

I see you have a special watch (more than 50 years old, wow!) and you plan to give it to your son.

And aren't you the handsome one today in our dark blue suit, white shirt, blue tie, black shoes, socks and a Navy coat. Oh, the brown briefcase does count ;-).

Thanks for stopping in today BJ and have a great rest of your week!

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[proud patriot]

12. :-) Happy Monday :-)

1. Where were you when President Kennedy was assassinated ? What about verbal histories from relatives or friends ?

I wasn't born yet :shrug: My parents were teenagers at the
time and were devestated by it :-(

2. Do you own any antiques? Describe a favorite antique.
The only thing I have is my Greatgrandmothers China
from Scottland , it's green and everything .
I haven't used it yet , but someday when my son is older
perhaps I'll pull it out .

3. What are you wearing today?
Sweats, System of a Down T-shirt .

[undergroundrailroad]

42. :-) Happy Monday Proud Patriot :-)

Thank you so much for dropping in to the UGRR today.

With the WWW we can visit just about any moment in history. There is just so much information on the WWW, something that was not available to me when President Kennedy died.

You have a wonderful family antique. Your Greatgrandmothers China from Scottland! I understand not wanting to put out items when your children are young. I did the same exact thing. Somethings just can't be replaced.

Your wearing your comfy sweats.

Thanks for stopping in to say hello Proud Patriot and have a great evening!

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[Droopy]

14. Hello undergroundrailroad.

Answers:

1. I was born in '72 so I don't have any first hand accounts of the day. But I know what people mean by remembering exactly where they were when news of that tragic event happened as I have witnessed my share of tragedies in my lifetime. My dad still has a newspaper that he kept from the day JFK was shot. He keeps it on a hanger in his closet.

2. I have one item that might be an antique, but I'm not sure. It's an old .22 caliber rifle that my grandfather owned. He found the gun in the trash when he was a young man. It has been passed down to me as an heir loom. I'm not sure how old the gun is, but it still shoots straight.

3. I'm wearing blue jeans, a dark blue t-shirt and black tennis shoes. That's about all I have in my wardrobe is jeans and t-shirts.

[undergroundrailroad]

43. Droopy hello! Thanks for dropping into Mondays IN The UGRR today :-)

I would just LOVE to own the newspaper from that very day. What a keepsake of the moment. During that era, newspapers were the primary mode of "news" reporting. I'm going to ask my Aunt if she might have a copy from that day. She taught history and would understand keeping something that important. To this day, she likes to talk about history and she is 93 years old. She is in excellent health, takes NO medication and travels all over the world.

I see you have an antique gun handed down to you from your Grandfather and your casual today in jeans, dark blue t-shirt and black tennis shoes.

Once again Droopy, thanks for dropping in to check things out here and have a great rest of your week.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[GoGo1]

15. Mina, Mina, Mina, - Great Column today!

Mina, here's a :hug:. I know it must have been very painful to recount that moment and you confronted your feelings with us in the undergroundrailroad today.

Yes, I was alive when John F. Kennedy was killed. During that time, we only had one small TV set. We had 3 radios and that is where I first learned about the assassination. There were only three networks at the time. CBS, ABC and NBC. The radio had the most recent information. I recall that it took quite some time to learn if he had died. There was also a question about Mrs. Kennedy, was she OK. Where were the children? All of my neighbors gathered at my home. All crying. I had to make lunch for about 30 people. It was truly a moment in history that I will never forget.

Thanks for all the coverage and attention you gave JFK in your column today.

I have many antiques. I think the most important one was a Tiffany hanging lamp from the early 1900's. One pane of glass is missing. The lamp belonged to my mother. Hopefully, I will pass it down to one of my children.

Today I have on my robe and slippers.

Have a great day Mina.

GoGo

[undergroundrailroad]

44. Thanks GoGo for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts

about the day President Kennedy was assassinated. It truly was a time when everyone bonded together (yes, the neighbors, the mailman, your teachers, etc.) to provide comfort and support to each other. Preparing lunch on short notice was something done during that time. I'm so happy you enjoyed the thread today.

I just love Tiffany lamps. They are just beautiful. Near my home there is an antique shop that specializes in selling (and buying) Tiffany Lamps. I remember I went into the store to look around and I had a shoulder bag. I went back out to my car and put the bag in my car. I didn't want to accidently break anything. What a beautiful treasure to own.

I don't blame you! Keep that comfy robe and those slippers on :)

Thanks so much for stopping in the UGRR and have a wonderful week ahead.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[pmbryant]

21. Thanks for your reminiscences

Beautiful post, Mina. I hope you're having a good week so far.

:hi:

1. Where were you when President Kennedy was assassinated ? What about verbal histories from relatives or friends ?

2. Do you own any antiques? Describe a favorite antique.

3. What are you wearing today?

(1) I wasn't around at the time, having been born in 1968. I don't recall any oral histories from my parents either. I do have a close family connection to the events of that day in an indirect way that involves the Sixth Floor Museum.

(2) Don't own many antiques. My parents gave us an old icebox/refrigerator. I think it's from the 1920s, but I'm not sure. The one antique I've actually bought myself is a road atlas from 1917. I love maps. ;-)

(3) Black. Lots of black. Not for any particular reason, though.

--Peter

[undergroundrailroad]

45. Peter thanks for listening and visiting me today .

I am going to post at the Sixth Floor Museum. Thanks for sharing the link here. Again, I can't believe the amount of information that's out there about the day President Kennedy was assassinated. All very interactive and very well done.

Thanks for you very kind words.

OMG, yes "icebox"! That's what they called them when I was growing up. "Mina, close the icebox!" (My mother's voice). You also own a road atlas from 1917. I like maps also. I purchased the National Geographic World atlas as a gift to myself. What do you know about Route 66? One day I want to travel the route. When I went to the Grand Canyon, I traveled briefly on the road.

Your attire today is black. Well, I wear black all the time. My basic winter outfits are black pants/skirts and black turtlenecks.

Have a great week ahead Peter.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[supernova]

23. Speaking of Shoshana

You might want to check out this thread in GD:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=725965

[undergroundrailroad]

46. Thanks for the link Supernova

Mina :loveya: :hi:

[Aristus]

24. Good afternoon, Mina. Sorry I'm late.

Great post today about JFK. Having the perspective of forty years to look back on him and his Presidency, we are able to see him for the flawed man he was. However, I think his greatest gift was not doing great things himself, but in inspiring others to acheive greatness. It's one of the things that makes me proud to be a liberal Democrat. Who knows what we as a nation could have acheived if he had served a full term, or two full terms, at that.

I was born in October, 1968, what I honestly believe was one of the worst years in American history. The Tet Offensive in January, the dual assassinations of Martin Luther King and RFK, the Democratic Convention in Chicago, LBJ's decision not to run again, on and on.
My perpective of the JFK assassination comes from my mother, who had marched in a band in JFK's inauguration parade. She was a young, idealistic teaching student who looked up to Kennedy to take America out of the stodgy, gray, ultraconservative fifties. His death shattered her.
I was born during the Apollo 7 Earth-orbit flight, the first mission following the pad-fire that killed the Apollo 1 crew. i like to think that that was a week of hope in a dismal year.

2.)No. No antiques.

3.) I'm wearing my black scrubs today. The other students think they look good on me.

Have a great day, Mina! :loveya: :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

47. What a story you have to share Aristus and from a truly historical perspec

Your Mother played a monumental role in history playing in the band during JFK's inauguration parade. WOW! About one of the dreaded topics you mention, LBJ's decision to not run for President ( I will not accept) those words are *still* in my head to this very day. Of course the murder of Martin Luther King was devastating to me as well.

I have learned so much in this thread. So many members, such as yourself, with unique connections to history. Truly, your Mother is someone I would love to talk with.

About the antiques. Do you have a photos of your Mother in the band? That would be a treasure!

Black Scrubs! Sexy;-) I'm sure your co-workers love that fashion in their mist ;-) I'm sure your a wonderful healthcare worker!

I'm sorry I was late getting back to you Aristus because I always look forward to your posts and your answers.

Well, take care of the black scrubs and have a great rest of your week!

Love, always,


Mina :loveya:

[jus_the_facts]

25. G'afternoon Mina.....

....as always a great Monday and week ahead to you!!:yourock: :pals:

1. Wasn't alive yet! :D

2. I have my Nanny's *grandmother* sewing machine...but my favorite antique is this 1995 laptop!! ;-)

3. I've got on a white t-shirt and white sox and a pair of plaid MENS boxer shorts! *comfy* :evilgrin:


Givin' a shout out to everyone at DU...HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!! :loveya:

Love Always,

~Amber~ :)

[undergroundrailroad]

48. Hi Amber! I just LOVE that beating red heart :-)

Sorry that I'm late with my response to you. How was your day?

So glad you stopped in to chat with me and I always look forward to seeing you in the UGRR.

Well, this has been a very interesting thread. I have learned so much today and I think this thread is just the best. Most of the members were not born during the JFK era, but the stories about their parents or family friends that had some role in the JFK story (before and after death) were awesome! Some shared other stories of news worthy events such as the explosion of the NASA Challenger.

Now you have a very interesting antique, your Grandmother's sewing machine. I had a SINGER sewing machine and I learned how to sew dresses. During that time a pattern was 0.10 cents and I would purchase the material. Once I made a black velvet dress for a school play. OH! it was a horror. I held it together with saftey pins and a broach pin.

I see your comfy cozy in your attire :)

Well Amber, I bid you a goodnight.

Thanks for stopping in to say hello and I wish you a wonderful week ahead.

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[undergroundrailroad]

49. Hi Amber! Thanks for stopping in the UGRR today :-)

I'm sorry I was late. BUT better late then never and I would stay up all night to make sure I wrote your response. You will find it here .

SO, have a great week and you can always find me somewhere around DU.

Good night,

Mina :loveya:

[MaineDem]

29. Good afternoon, Mina

Thank you for the Boondocks. I love his work so much. I bet Condi isn't pleased with the gist of these strips lately. I, on the other hand, think they're hysterical!

And I love vanilla tea! My favorite is vanilla almond from MacNab's Tea Room in Boothbay, ME. It's like drinking dessert. :D I have a tea press and I make a few cups for myself after dinner. Yumm.

1. On November 22, 1963 I was in seventh grade. My mother had just picked me up at school and we were on our way to the butcher's. We heard the radio announcement in the car and my mother immediately drove to my aunt's house which was close by and we were glued to the tv for hours. My mother and her two sisters sat on the sofa and I was sitting on the floor in front of them. I remember vividly one of my aunt's rubbing my shoulder the whole time.

From then until the funeral I don't think our tv ever was turned off. I watched Oswald get shot while I was babysitting down the street while my neighbors went to church. I remember calling my mother in shock. She was cooking a roast beef; I don't know why I remember that.

To this day I cannot hear "The Navy Hymn" without thinking of the cortege (not sure if I spelled it right but it was the first time I had ever heard that word) and the funeral. It still makes me cry.

I went to a Catholic school so our classes were canceled for the days until his burial. I remember it like it was yesterday. Man!

2. I have my grandmother's wedding ring. My four grandparents were immigrants so there isn't much in the family that's very old. Her ring is from the early 1900s so I guess it qualifies. She died when my father was in high school so it's nice having something from a woman I never knew.

3. I'm wearing a pair of black strentch jeans, a white turtleneck and a Colby College sweatshirt, and sneakers.

THanks for a terrific UGRR! I agree that Shoshana deserves more credit for her bravery.

Have a wonderful week! :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

50. LOL, MaineDem, you know Condi is not liking the Boondocks!

So how are you doing today tonight?

I just love vanilla tea too! Yes, like drinking your dessert. So cheers to vanilla tea! And cheers to us!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the day President Kennedy was assassinated. I have found *one* common quality in all of the recollections. The little things like describing your aunt rubbing your shoulder, like your mother preparing the roast beef, like the radio announcement in the car. Those very small things that only mean something to us. I also remember being glued to the TV for days. It was the start of 24/7 TV. My TV only had three channels. I also watched Oswald being shot by Jack Ruby. We were living history and to this day I remember everything down to the color of my teacher's green dress and her pink pearls.

Well, here's a :hug: for us. It makes you very sad to recount those painful memories.

Now, your family antique holds a bit of history and it certainly qualifies. You have a tangible family heirloom that you can hold, creating a memory that is unique only to you.

You are were wearing a pair of black jeans, a white turtleneck and a Colby College sweatshirt. Sneakers complete the ensemble. Did you go running today or the exercise bike (or both!). You always have the complementary clothing and accessories for your workout.

Well, thanks for stopping in to say hello. I appreciate your taking the time to visit me because I know you have a busy schedule.

Have a great week!

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[JohnKleeb]

31. Afternoon

1. Where were you when President Kennedy was assassinated ? What about verbal histories from relatives or friends ?
I was a sperm cell in a 12 year old boy :D, oh well my dad was in school when Jack Kennedy was assassinated

2. Do you own any antiques? Describe a favorite antique.
I dont think I own any really
3. What are you wearing today?
Yellow dress shirt I think with blue undershirt, baggy blue jeans, and DC shoes, those are skateboard shoes for everyone's info. I think I looked lol like a skater today. I like the look honestly although I dont skate.

[MaineDem]

34. Not to highjack the thread but...

JK, I just have to tell you...when I watched the Iowa JJ Dinner the other night and DK came out on stage, I thought sure it was you! :D I've come to imprint his picture with your name in my brain.

And I haven't the faintest idea what DC shoes are. :P

[JohnKleeb]

36. lol I am way too big to be Kucinich

Plus I have been lol ranting about my cold eyes as of late. lol now thats something else.
Thats my pair heh. I wear 13s heh.
Thats interesting really. I really dont look much like him at all, now I got dark brown hair like him, but I got blue eyes, I am like 6'0 and 175 pounds, and I got a bit of facial hair going.

[undergroundrailroad]

51. You looked like a skater today, LOL. Compete with your

blue undershirt, baggy blue jeans and DC shoes. That is your fashion look John and it sounds good :)

Is it cold in your part of the country? Did you go to school today? yesterday?

Well Mr. John Kleeb, I will chat with your next Monday. Have a great week ahead :hi:

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[cally]

52. Hi Mina and DU

Another thread that took me a long time to respond to. I agree with you about the disparity of treatment between Shoshana and Jessica. The maladministration wanted a poster child and they chose Jessica. The discrepancy in care and disability payments is despicable. I hope Shoshana gets justice.

Well, I was 5 when President Kennedy died. I remember the announcement on the loudspeakers and coming home to my mom crying. I remember the death of Martin Luther King more vividly. I was a bit older and his death just felt like the death of all that is good about America.

I have several 'antiques'. My favorite is a hope chest from my grandmother. I use it to store my treasures. My next favorite is some crystal bowls that supposedly are 150 years old. I don't believe that but they are beautiful.