December 7, 2023

Those who follow this blog know that I have often remembered Uncle Frank Bernard who perished on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.  Search his name (the magnifying glass at upper right corner) and you will find many references.  Most recent was Dec. 7, 2022.

My main engagement re Uncle Frank this year has been to participate in a DNA-match process, to possibly match myself with some remnant of Uncle Frank preserved long ago, but not identifiable.  The odds are very long against such a match, but any possibility is worth the effort.

This year is by no means a routine December 7, in places like Gaza and Ukraine.  Today is the first day of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.

Today, I remember and honor everyone who has perished at the wrong end of a bomb or bullet, anywhere, any time.

Yesterday came another one of those ‘forwards’ that I feel is perfect for this season.  It speaks for itself.

December 5 post: Liz and Rachel.

POSTNOTE:   I published the blog this morning, and have been thinking all day about the “bomb or bullet” reference.

“War” today far exceeds its traditional definition.  Sure, the weapons are the way they were, albeit much more sophisticated.  But they have been augmented by even more dangerous weapons: lies, disinformation, misinformation, and on and on.

How do we change the conversation, one person at a time, where we live.  The “To-Do” list above is a good start.  Words, too, but the adage “actions speak louder than words” speak too.