It is so unbelievable to me that it has been 75 years ago that my siblings and I came home from school, and saw our Mom sitting right by the radio crying. When she told us that the Japanese military had sunk lots of our ships, and many men died, it really didn’t sink in until later that night when the whole country gathered around their radios to hear that we were at war — a war that was thought to be the war that would end all wars; a war that saw the lives of thousands of soldiers and sailors end much too young; and a war that had the United States truly united as men, women and children did whatever was necessary to be part of helping bring peace and an end to seeing headlines filled with sadness. Not anyone of any age was anything but an American, and every day in school began with a prayer, the pledge to the flag, and the National Anthem.
As the reminders of that horror 75 years ago was remembered in newspapers and TV this week, I wonder what caused World War ll not to be the end of the ugliness of war, and I can only pray that young people pay attention as they learn about our history, and wonder themselves how to live in peace. God has blessed America, and I sure hope those blessings continue.
On Wednesday, I, along with many others, was treated to a superb Christmas musical entertainment by the Valparaiso High School choir. It didn’t matter if you were a believer or not, as their beautiful voices blended so perfectly with every song, and when the solo of Ave Maria was sung by Zach Sewell, it was breathtaking. Thank you to every member whose voices were in joyful harmony, and especially choir director Linda Schombechler and accompanist, Eta Rosario for such a gift.
There is another gift of music being offered to all of us by the Valparaiso Nazarene Church, located at the corner of Glendale Blvd. and Silhavy Rd. in Valparaiso, tomorrow, December 11th, at 6 p.m. The VNC Arts Team, along with children, will celebrate a Christmas Night of Worship. It is a great time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season and celebrate the real meaning of Christmas with your family and friends. There is no cost for this evening of joy, but a free will offering will be taken to help defer the cost of the Tim Tebow prom for people with special needs, called a Night to Shine, which the church will host in February. Give yourself a well-deserved smile, and join them.
Still haven’t found the right gift for someone you love, or even for yourself, or looking for something that celebrates in a unique way? Frontline Foundation, which provides substance abuse treatment and services for young people, has a unique fundraiser which will be great for both the donor and the person in need of treatment. They have partnered with The Artistic Recovery, where a donation of $50 will not only be matched, but you will also receive a free piece of art. Or you can go to their website and choose a painting, custom t-shirts or even professionally produced songs in a variety of prices. The money raised will be a gift to men and women struggling with substance abuse. The fundraiser runs through Dec. 31, but you might want to check it out now. Please go to www.TheArtisticRecovery.com/frontline-partnership.
You’ll be glad you did, and then I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.