The Month of Remembrance

November begins on a personal note with my birthday. In recent years the celebration has been muted. (I'm at the age when I look back more than I look ahead.)

Uncle Robert

Today, Veteran's Day, we remember those who fought for freedom. In our family this year it's a somber holiday. Another of my father's six brothers, World War II veterans all, died suddenly less than two months ago. His ashes will be interred at Punchbowl.

On November 19th the nation will honor the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln's great speech in the aftermath of an horrific battle. And on November 22nd the nation will remember the life and death of John F. Kennedy 50 years after his assassination.

In a strange way revisiting traumatic events such as WW II, the Civil War, and the JFK assassination gives rise to hope. The obstacles that the nation overcame 50, 70, and 150 years ago dwarf those that it faces today, and there is no good reason why we shouldn't be equally--and ultimately--successful in solving our problems as well. © 2013 Stephen Yuen