One of my favorite stories of Christmas is best remembered as the "Truce of Christmas" in the way back machine from WWI, 1915 when the German and Scottish troops ceased fire in order to meet their sworn enemies as men and salute each other as human beings. It is a story of huge courage. Perhaps it also is the best reminder of how when the soldiers of each side face off, it is just them on the field, no one far and away in a command center can ever know the intimacy of the enemy as the men and women who face their enemy.
Today the History Channel was revisiting the story. Knowing this crowd, everyone knows the story well, but a quick check of Wikipedia is a way to get a good overview http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_truce
My 2nd favorite of the season is watching the DVD of Paul McCartney in Red Square. The story of the Beatles in the '60's and how the Russian real folk were hungry for the music and the freedom and yes the democracy that the Beatles represented. It's remarkable what the Beatles contributed in taking down that wall...and so when Paul brings the band to Red Square and Red Square overflows with happy, in love Russians who have waited generations to hear first hand the songs of freedom, we are all one people. Then as Putin weaves his way into the crowd to watch, it's just a good Christmas moment.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
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13 comments:
Look at you! I'm so pleased you've joined us. I totally forgot this story. Great reminder, mainsailset!
Great stories mainsailset... glad to have you on board. Hope you're doing well during this Holiday Season.
We gave Grandma the gift of time tonight... she went to Church with my son while the wife and I babysat Grandpa.
The boy just opened his presents... in these tough economic times, I'm happy we were able to provide some current movies and X-Box 360 games for him.
I'm sure the boy is pleased, SoS! New games, what more do you want?
Thanks guys. 7o7 what a nice gift to your mom. I've always enjoyed watching the friendship between the older generation and the youngest generation, they can make splendid conspirators! Here's hoping your dad will feel the Christmas spirit today and give you all some good memories.
Coyote, when is the damn snow getting out of town??? We have 10 inches of the glop and had to walk a mile in it pulling a sled to bring hay to horses.
Anyway. glad you enjoyed the stories, Merry Christmas to you and please stay safe. m
Thanks guys. 7o7 what a nice gift to your mom. I've always enjoyed watching the friendship between the older generation and the youngest generation, they can make splendid conspirators! Here's hoping your dad will feel the Christmas spirit today and give you all some good memories.
Coyote, when is the damn snow getting out of town??? We have 10 inches of the glop and had to walk a mile in it pulling a sled to bring hay to horses.
Anyway. glad you enjoyed the stories, Merry Christmas to you and please stay safe. m
Merry Christmas, all! Man, another 3 inches snow so far. mainsailset, I don't know when this crap is going to go, but it's really overstayed it's welcome. That's why I never went back to Mich. now it's followed me here! Argh!
Hope you're all having a great day. Now, the traditional bacon and eggs and potato breakfast. Snow can't stop the bacon! Woohoo!
Hey guys, guess who's joined us? Woohoo!
Woo-Hoo, right on... the more the merrier! Way to go Chief!
I'm counting on some beautiful pics.
Mainsailset, great to see you here.
Thank you so much for reminding us of these wonderful Christmas stories. I remember the first time I heard about enemies sharing in the Christmas experience, and then resuming their fighting. I couldn't wrap my mind around it the first time, and to this day, I still can't.
706, how wonderful that you gave Grandma the gift of going to church with her Grandson. Those are the kinds of gifts that most grandparents value over anything you could have bought for them.
Good morning everyone.
I got some pics but I am too worn out to deal.
I overdid the whole overdoing thing and spent most of yesterday on the couch. Managed to make dinner but could not sit at the table to eat it.
Fookin body.
Now I got messes to clean up (no one magically did the dishes while I slept). I did manage to shower today - which is more than I did yesterday - but now I am worn out from that.
I am going to pump a bunch of supplements, usually several thousands of milligrams of C and a bunch of Vit B will help me to get enough energy together to clean things up.
At least there is no more cooking necessary for now...the boys and grandpa have plenty of leftovers.
Grandpa really wants to try to go home today. They say the snow will turn to rain - which will lead to a nasty mess of urban flooding.
State of WA has been declared emergency - all but 3 counties.
What was that about no global climate change, Inhoffe? What was that?
AND - Mainsailset - so glad to see you here!!!
AND Chief! You are here too!!!
ALL the cool kids are here!
Welcome everyone.
What a great crew we have!
Anjha, sorry you were down for the festivities. Mom was too. She had the 24 hour stomach flu, so she slep through Christmas Eve and most of Christmas Day.
Personally, I think the cook should never have to do dishes.
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