WDYTYA - WWI

"So, what's with all the jumble of letters?!?" ye socks may be asking after seeing the title of this post.

No, it wasn't a transcript of the Scrabble tiles I drew recently . . . they were worse!

Rather, they are the abbreviated way yours truly refers to the new series "Who do you think you are?" and "World War I."

Tonight's episode featured research on actor Matthew Broderick's family history.

He was surprised to discover his grandfather, a quiet postal worker who died before Matthew arrived on the scene, was a decorated veteran of the First World War.

He even got to visit a battlefield in France where his grandfather treated his comrades who were wounded in action.

All this got me thinking of my own great-grandfather, pictured here.

He was also a WWI veteran.

Also treated wounded soldiers in France while serving with an Army Hospital unit.

Also worked for the post office after coming back home.

Also died before yours truly arrived on the scene.

The similarities were almost uncanny.

Anyway, it got me thinking about the all-too-often-overlooked legacy the "war to end all wars" has in the annals of American family history.

Ye socks whose ancestor(s) may have been inducted in Florida to serve in the "Great War" will be interested in checking out this site:

http://www.floridamemory.com/Collections/WWI/

Happy hunting!

Til it's over "over there"

Tom Brokaw and his ilk are constantly harping on us to recall the bravery and sacrifices of the WWII generation, but almost everybody nowadays overlooks the lessons of their predecessors who fought in WWI.

Not me, not today. Those who fought in the "Great War" that was supposed to "end all wars" showed the courage and conviction that (sadly) is not found in large amounts anymore. I mean, how many people outside of the dryer do you hear making the vow they made: "And, we won't come back til it's over over there"?!?

In memory of those steadfast heroes of the First World War and in hopes it may strengthen the resolve of modern Americans , I am proud to include in this post a copy of the poem that has become so closely identified with their generation's struggle:

In Flanders Fields

by Lt. Col John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Two movie reviews

"Fly Boys" is a big thumbs-up. Wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not, and have to confess it's been sitting by the DVD player for weeks. Literally.

The lack of interest was probably due to the setting: WWI in France.

But, don't let that hold you back. The Frenchiness is kept to a minimum, and the lead character is a Texan.

Some great aerial combat scenes with old-timey bi-wings and tri-wings. Just wish they'd invente the parachute sooner for some of those poor airmen . . .

"Pan's Labyrinth," another movie that I've been delaying, mostly because it's in Spanish with subtitles.

Let me warn you, definitely not a kid movie.

The digital animation is amazing, but a very, very dark story line with some gruesome scenes. But, what else can you expect from a film set in the middle of the Spanish Civil War, right?!