June brings on something called July. And this July will be just like a lot of other Julys. Hot. Real hot. Makes me remember the July of 1943. When I was “stuck” down on Goat Ridge in Leflore County at my grandparents. And July 4 th was coming up. Not that anyone down there seemed to notice. In later years Gerald would compare Grandpa to the Jap general who commanded the slave labor in the movie about building the Bridge Over the River Kwai. We of course were the hapless prisoners of war. Slave labor if you will.
Read moreSo, when did these Father’s Day celebrations get started and how? Well, the first one came forth on June 19, 1910. The same year my own father was born. Men scoffed at this new day. “It’s just a trick to get people to spend money on yet another holiday,” said my dad. “Besides, we wind up having to pay for it ourselves anyway, so what’s the point.”
Read moreMemorial Day is here. A time to remember and honor those heroes who paid the ultimate price to defend our country. There are many heroes in our area. And I salute all of them. But today I want to talk about a particular one. One you may not have known of or remember. A boy from Lula. A boy who gave his life for our freedom. His name: Gene Porter Hamilton. Ever hear of him? Everyone knew “Gene Porter” as his mother called him back in the 30’s. She and her husband, Virgil Hamilton, raised Gene over at Lula where Gene went to school and his dad Virgil Hamilton was a wellknown grocer.
Read morePeople that don’t regularly read this column may not realize that the famous movie star, Cheeta is dead. His best friend and caregiver hauled this 140-pound dead Chimp around on a cart so the other primates he lived with could say goodbye. Cheeta spent his last years at a roadside celebrity zoo near Tarpon Springs, Florida. Cheeta was later cremated, and his remains placed in an attractive burial box for his funeral. Over 60 people attended the old Tarzan movie chimps’ funeral. Cheeta was 80 years old.
Read moreWe didn’t have any swimming pools in Stonewall, at least not like a lot of towns such as Allen have. In 1944 I was still sort of new to living there but thought I was in hog heaven anyway, having lived in Centrahoma until 1944. So, it was one day when 4 of us boys who had been down on Buck Creek in the July heat spotted this little pool of water. It was near the old water tower and its overflow had created this little pond of cool clear water and it was shielded from view by brush and cane. What better place to take a quick swim?
Read moreThis Sunday is Mother’s Day. A very special time for many of us who have such special memories of our very special mothers. When I was a child, my mom was the person I ran to when I was in pain or hurting. Or when I was worried about God and other celestial matters, you can be sure I ran to her for advice. She was my first advisor after I learned I needed to give my life to Jesus. She never gave me any bad advice in these matters.
Read moreIt’s just about May and this heralds’ observations of many important days. Graduations take place and so does Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. I don’t know where we will hold the Memorial Day
Read moreThat little splotch of color on maps adjoining the Russian Country may disappear soon. Yes, the Ukraine is now a rapidly disappearing democracy on the edge of the USSR. And Russia, in actions that would have made Hitler blush with jealousy, is at it again. If you ever took any European History and studied Russia and its relationships to the Balkans, you can see what I mean. Russia wants it right now.
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