Where could you find a more striking contrast of the fruits of freedom versus repression than on the two sides of the infamous Berlin Wall? Gail S. Halvorsen has some special insights on why so many East Berliners “have left behind everything but the clothes on their backs and then given their lives in an… Continue reading Divided Berlin: Lesson in Freedom
Year: 1984
Trivia Quiz: U.S. Vice Presidents
This is a good time to test your knowledge of the vice presidency, which is receiving so much attention in the election campaign. Our quiz will begin with a question everyone should he able to answer. Q. What is unique about the 1984 vice presidential race? A. For the first time in history, a woman (Geraldine Ferraro)… Continue reading Trivia Quiz: U.S. Vice Presidents
Constitution 197 Years Old Today
Citizenship Day (Sept. 17) usually passes without much fanfare – in some cases even without public recognition. Americans at least ought to display the flag. And at minimum, it would be well if some patriotic organization in each community would call the day’s significance to the people’s attention. Citizenship Day marks the anniversary of the… Continue reading Constitution 197 Years Old Today
Inspiring Words From Presidents
Presidential oratory has fascinated me during most of my adult life. Glued to the radio, I was enchanted as the silver-tongued 32nd president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, presented his “fireside chats” to rally hope during the Great Depression. Earlier, in his inaugural address, Roosevelt had called for courage in these ringing words: “The only thing we… Continue reading Inspiring Words From Presidents
Candy Smiles
During the crucial Berlin Airlift 3 1/2 decades ago, rays of gladness were spread by human interest stories of an American “candy bomber” who dropped sweets to destitute German children. If you are old enough to remember the historic airlift (called Operation Vittles) – the Allies’ answer to the infamous Berlin Blockade by the Soviets… Continue reading Candy Smiles
Provo Bids ‘Goodbye’ to Tom
Provo said goodbye this week to one of its highly respected war heroes. Thomas S. Bullock, prisoner of the Japanese for 3 1/2 years after the fall of Corregidor in World War II. As the sweet strains of “Taps” added a final plaintive touch to graveside services at the Provo Cemetery, many must have reflected… Continue reading Provo Bids ‘Goodbye’ to Tom
‘Ashton Tower’ Has a Long, Distinguished History
If you’re new in Provo you might wonder about the brick smokestack near the heart of the city with ”Ashton’s Chevrolet Buick” inscribed in larger vertical letters. The smokeless stack is a vestige from the historic Woolen Mills, once Provo’s largest industry which operated for 60 years on the First West-Second West block between First… Continue reading ‘Ashton Tower’ Has a Long, Distinguished History
Ferraro Could Liven up Senate
Biographical material on Geraldine Ferraro published in connection with her nomination as Democratic candidate for vice president brought out this personality sidelight: She is witty and loves to laugh. Mention of that trait reminded me of a feature article on the “lighter side of Congress” which I wrote in February 1980 as a Scripps League… Continue reading Ferraro Could Liven up Senate
Visiting Shrines Helps Patriotism
A reader contemplating a trip to the Washington D.C., area Called the other day, excited about his plan to visit sites and shrines important in United States history. I shared his enthusiasm. A few years ago my family and I made such a pilgrimage … and returned with a deeper pride and commitment in our citizenship. Our… Continue reading Visiting Shrines Helps Patriotism
Salute to Freedom Fete Workers
“One cannot help coming away from the celebration uplifted, grateful for a free country… proud to be an American!” The smiling and energetic man who spoke these words was Steven R. Shallenberger, general chairman of America’s Freedom Festival at Provo. He, his top two aides Ben E. Lewis and Don T. Nelson, and over 500… Continue reading Salute to Freedom Fete Workers