Some movies become blockbusters, others become cultural touchstones. Rambo: First Blood is both—and something more. Released in 1982, the first film wasn’t the over-the-top, explosion-heavy spectacle most people think of today. Instead, it was a sharp critique of America’s treatment of Vietnam veterans, packaged in a tense, gritty thriller. John Rambo wasn’t a muscle-bound action … Continue reading Rambo, Reality, and the Myths Behind the Man: 10 Facts About the Rambo Movies
Memorial Day Remembered: Six Facts About This Honorable Day
Memorial Day, an American holiday dedicated to honoring the country’s fallen military personnel, carries with it a rich and poignant history. The following fascinating facts shed light on the depth and significance of this solemn day.
1. Waterloo: The Birthplace of Memorial Day
The tranquil town of Waterloo, New York is acknowledged as the origin of the Memorial Day tradition. On May 5, 1866, local businesses shuttered their doors and townsfolk gathered to adorn the resting places of soldiers with decorations. This marked the first formal observance of what would become an enduring national tradition.
2. Manila American Cemetery: The Largest Collection of American World War II Graves
The Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines holds the record for containing the greatest number of graves for U.S. personnel who lost their lives during World War II. The cemetery is the final resting place of 17,206 individuals, with 16,636 of these belonging to U.S. personnel.
3. The Dutch Tradition at the Margraten American Cemetery
Memorial Day in the Netherlands carries its own unique tradition at the American military cemetery in Margraten. Every Memorial Day, Dutch families participate in a solemn “adoption” ritual, with each family choosing a grave to honor with flowers. This touching tribute ensures that every grave in the cemetery receives a personal commemoration.
4. The Inception of Memorial Day and its Deep Roots in Civil War History
The very first Memorial Day was conceived in the wake of the American Civil War. Freed slaves, in an act of gratitude and respect, held a commemorative funeral for the Union soldiers who had fought for their liberation in 1865.
5. The Unchanging Symbol at the Vietnam Memorial Wall
The Vietnam Memorial Wall holds an indelible symbol of soldiers still missing in action (M.I.A.). Each M.I.A. soldier’s name is etched with a cross, a poignant promise that their loss is not forgotten. However, should a soldier be found, a circle is drawn around the existing cross. To this day, the memorial has no circles, a stark reminder of those yet to return.
6. A Sobering Fact about Vietnam War Casualties
During the Vietnam War, a staggering 61% of U.S troops who were killed were under 21 years of age. Many of these young men had been drafted, their lives abruptly transitioning from adolescence to the harsh realities of war.
These six facts offer just a glimpse into the depth and breadth of the history and significance of Memorial Day. As we remember those who have given their lives for our freedom, let these stories serve as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and youth of those we honor.
Vortex I: The State-Sponsored Festival
The Vortex I festival, a unique occurrence in U.S. history as the only state-sponsored rock concert, was held in Oregon. This event was strategically planned to coincide with President Nixon’s visit to showcase the peaceful aspects of the anti-War Movement and to deter any potential violent protests during the President’s scheduled appearance in the state. The festival took place at Milo McIver State Park and drew a crowd estimated between 30,000 and 100,000 people. As there was no admission fee, the gates were left open, and as a result, there were no precise attendance records.
On the festival’s peak day, a line of cars stretched for 18 miles (30 km) from the park entrance to southeast Portland. In an agreement with the governor, both the police and the Oregon National Guard largely turned a blind eye to non-violent offenses such as public nudity and drug use, both of which were observed at the festival. The event earned the nickname “The Governor’s Pot Party.”
The festival’s success in maintaining peace was likely helped by President Nixon’s last-minute cancellation. Both the American Legion convention and the anti-war activities of the Jamboree proceeded without any significant disruptions. The festival proved to be an effective strategy for preventing violence; there were no instances of interpersonal violence or harm, and property damage in Portland was minimal, limited to a single broken window.
During WWII, the US provided training…
During WWII, the US provided training and equipment for a Vietnamese group called the Viet Minh that was resisting Japanese occupation. The Viet Minh became the foundation of the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong that the US fought during the Vietnam War.
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The CIA paid Vietnam War spies…
The CIA paid Vietnam War spies by ordering them items from the Sears catalog because the spies operated in areas that had a barter economy and didn’t rely on cash.
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In 1989, the American Homecoming Act…
In 1989, the American Homecoming Act helped children born from U.S soldiers in Vietnam come to the U.S with their families. They based this only on the child’s appearance. About 23,000 Amerasians and 67,000 of their relatives entered the United States under this act. It was controversial since it didn’t apply to the kids of […]
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Playboy founder and U.S. Army veteran…
Playboy founder and U.S. Army veteran Hugh Hefner provided his plane, the “Big Bunny,” to transport Vietnamese children to New York during the evacuation of Saigon. Playboy bunnies were the ones who cared for the babies until they reached their destination.
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The founding father of modern Vietnam…
The founding father of modern Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh that led Vietnam’s communist revolution against French colonial rule and then took on the US has long had an admiration for the US and repeatedly sought the country’s help in the decades before the Vietnam War.
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The US provided Laos with funds…
The US provided Laos with funds and concrete to expand an airport which could serve as a base for US fighter jets during the Vietnam War. But as the funds and concrete arrived before any contract was signed, Laos decided instead to build a memorial to soldiers who died in World War II.
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At the start of the Vietnam War…
At the start of the Vietnam War, the South Vietnamese government favored Catholics over Buddhists so much that some Catholic priests ran private armies that forced conversions and demolished Buddhist pagodas with mortar fire.
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