Going Out on a Limb - Arbor Day Around the Globe

Trees.

Life-giving, majestic, sentinels of time. We line driveways, create memorials, use as privacy buffers, climb on, hang from, and depend upon them for resources. They flourish in our books, movies, and Art of many mediums. Yet our thoughts and attention go deeper than the day-to-day applications. 

What is our fascination?

AI answered my question with the hypothesis that this “stems from a deep, multi-faceted connection, blending physical, emotional, and biological factors. Trees offer essential life-giving benefits (oxygen, shade, resources), possess calming aesthetic beauty, and foster a sense of grounding and permanence.” Additionally, AI surmised we benefit from reduced stress in their calming presence. I agree with the point that older trees “evoke a sense of history, wisdom, and stability.” The realization that trees communicate, share nutrients, and support one another adds to the wonder.

I am not alone in my fondness for trees. As a collective, the United States celebrates trees on Arbor Day. What I did not realize is that states declare this on different months and days. It makes sense as the seasons switch by region, and therefore planting parameters as trees burst forth in flower and unfurl their leaves at varying times.

On April 12, 1872, Nebraska City, Nebraska established roots of the very first Arbor Day. You can read the history in Carla Olson Gade’s post. After this historic event, other states joined the revelry. Now over 50 countries participate as well. Impressive that the efforts and initiative of one man in 1872 who addressed a need for trees in the barren plains of America spread across the globe. To date, over 500 million trees have been planted! (I read posts of an earlier celebration by Spain in 1594 but couldn't find a solid source or agreement of the location.)

From humble beginnings of shovels and hands, this day now monitored by The Arbor Day Foundation has scientific support and detailed planning. According to their website, they "use GIS mapping, environmental, socio-economic, and location data paired with local guidance to identify areas of greatest need." Combined efforts worldwide aid in replenishing this natural resource.

In honor of the upcoming Arbor Day on April 24th in Georgia, I would like to share some stellar trees we visited recently across the country. Join me at our first stop Point Defiance, Washington with its monumental trees. 

I'm not sure which specimen you see at left in all its stately glory. Below, left and right, say a hearty hello to Giant Sequoia ‘70437’ at 8.36m/27.43’ in girth and 39.02m/128.01’ tall. Goodness that is a lovely tree. Despite a document providing statistics on 22 of the resident trees, I could not find an estimated age. I queried and found it is probably relatively young at anywhere from 50-150 years. Sequoias can reach full height of nearly 250-300 feet. Can you imagine? I took the second photo at bottom right sheltered beneath its lacy limbs. Snuggled under the canopy, childhood stories danced in my thoughts. What a special spot.

  

There are many other old growth and interesting trees at Point Defiance. With each encounter, I wondered what they witnessed over the years. The people passing. Technology changing. From horses to horse and buggy, to cars, and eventually planes flying overhead. All the while the steadfast tree extends roots deep below and branches wide. Embracing our exhales and releasing a gift we often take for granted.

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Our next stop is John's Island near Charleston, South Carolina. Wait until you see this Low Country Treasure. Estimated at over 400 years, this Live Oak Tree is 65 feet tall and about 28 feet around. It shades roughly 17,000 square feet of area. The longest branch is 187 feet! The caretakers of the Angel Oak supported some of its limbs and repaired others. Visitors flock to this mammoth tree each year in droves. The parcel now housing Angel Oak Park was part of a 1717 land grant to Abraham Waight. Later, in the mid-1800s, Justis and Martha Angel acquired the land. Hence the name Angel.

Do we even need words?


   

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Take a walk around the Angel Oak with me...

And another view...

Look at those limbs...

Our last stop is with the Patriot Tree at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. To be honest, this was a bonus. I had no idea we would cross paths with this sentinel. We visited our son last week and stopped to appreciate this 175 year old Live Oak. Imagine, this tree existed in this very spot before the Civil War changed the landscape. How's that for perspective?

That concludes our current tour. Which was your favorite? 

If you would like to read some prior posts featuring trees:

Liberty Trees
Trail Trees
Trail Trees II
Stave Churches, fashioned from trees and an old lilac tree to boot.

Rebecca and her husband share a townhouse with their rescued dog named Ranger, who is not spoiled in the least. They are enjoying a new season nestled in a quaint southeastern US city. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and an Aerospace grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers.

Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitte

Unexpected Encounter - Trifecta

Where Modern Art and history meet, the intersection is golden. The depth of value at an historical site climbs as multiple facets merge. In the case of Dickman Mill Park, the effect is tripled. This Park features the trifold attraction of a former wood processing site, an Art installation, and related media honoring the Puyallup People.

Dickman Mill Park rests along Puget Sound in Point Ruston, Washington. We favor this area with the walking paths, Point Defiance Park, and local eateries. It is possible to move from the end of Point Defiance to the Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Memorial all on foot while discovering historical markers along the way.

We passed one such marker on two recent trips. On the first, my husband remarked how neat it is when efforts combine to bring history to life through Art. True words. We walked the length of the exhibit, read the accompanying details, and observed the metal creation, noticing varied images depending on the vantage point. On the second pass, we enjoyed the installation again and gained even more appreciation after listening to the accompanying media. With two simple clicks, visitors can hear a tribute to the Puyallup People and learn of their history in relation to the area. Song, language, legend.

This unexpected trifecta exists as a treasure hunt from what we experienced with visitors encountering the exhibit. Yet another example of getting out what you put in. Imagine multiple scenarios:

A passerby observes the landmark from a distance and keeps walking...

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Another takes a few moments to enter the location and view the site as is. Walks through the stages of the presentation and exits to complete the stroll.

The final visitor peers from afar, explores while reading the placards, and pauses to avail themselves of the additional media. Channeling a three bears experience here as Goldilocks listens to the SoundCloud and declares it, "Just right."

In researching this post, I discovered there is a fourth enhanced option of online discovery after the fact. I’m grinning now because I did not realize there is also text within Mary Coss’ steel Ghost Log. Now I am itching to go back to see it in person. Third time is a charm, right? Getting ahead of the story. Let's go back a few years. Or maybe more than a few.

Did you know, Tacoma was known as the “Lumber Capital of the World.” How did they acquire this moniker? A plethora of timber along with proximity to the railroad and the ocean provided an ideal location for waterfront sawmills. Dickman Lumber Mill Company operated on this site from the 1890s to the 1970s and was in fact the last remaining mill in 1977. All that remains at present are a refurbished head saw, crumbling concrete foundations, and the 8’ by 44’ steel Ghost Log created by local artist, Mary Coss.

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At the height of use, the head saw could cut nearly 150,000 feet per day. Wait until you watch the video offering a snapshot of volume in its heyday. The size of the trees! Cutting by hand – two men at the saw. The worker climbing the tree with haste and only a rope. Imagine the bravery required for many facets of this mill.

 

Long before the mill existed, the Coast Salish people lived on this land. The Ghost Log serves to honor the Puyallup Tribe. As I mentioned earlier, text exists upon this structure. The artist added traditional Twining and Lushootseed words with the help of the Puyallup Tribe. How neat is that? I encourage you to listen to this short recording, titled Ghost Timbre. This rich collage of voices, songs, and sounds celebrates the history of a people and this site.

What do you see in the sculpture above? I believe Art allows us to see and ponder anew each time we observe a piece. Depending on where you stand when you look at the Ghost Log, you can envision multiple objects, scenes, or even possibilities.

I think desired aspects of traveling could be equated to books if one is a mood reader for example. At times we hope for a light escape. At others we seek a humorous tale. Sometimes, we long for an in-depth story to transport us in time, space, or perhaps both. When the next opportunity arises for viewing a site brimming with history, I wonder which you will choose.

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 145 Plans, in 46 languages on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca and her husband share a townhouse with their rescued dog named Ranger, who is not spoiled inthe least. They are enjoying a new season nestled in a quaint southeastern US city. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and an Aerospace grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers.

Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter

Jólabókaflóð - What Is It?

Sears Catalogs. JCPenney Catalogs. Does anyone remember those bulky books landing in the mailbox and the ensuing page turning while dog-earing the toy section? Dating myself with that admission, but I do remember those seasons.

If we take a trip back even further, in years and location, the youngsters in Iceland in the year 1944 flipped through the Bókatíðindi, or book catalog to choose titles for their Christmas gifts. Why books and not toys? Shortages of every sort resulted from WWII. While Iceland gained their independence from Denmark in 1944, even in their newly free existence, they did not have abundant resources. At the time, paper as an unrationed commodity allowed Iceland to produce books. The Icelandic book trade published the Bókatíðindi and sent it to each and every household in November, coinciding with the Reykjavik Book Fair. To this day, both the catalog and the book fair delight readers and fuel a tradition known as Jólabókaflóð, or Christmas Book Flood.

In researching this piece, I found varying opinions as to the validity of the history of this tradition. The consensus boils down to an opportunity for the publishing world to promote its products and consumers to embrace them while enjoying related holiday festivities. Think Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – developed by a clever employee of Montgomery Ward Department Store. Now a household staple. Most who place a young buck with crimson nose on their tree, table, or Christmas sweater are not familiar with his origin. And yet, they embrace the nostalgia of a commercialized tradition. Or consider Elf on the Shelf – a social media phenomenon where the stakes are high for parents to live up to their children’s expectations of elf antics. This rather new tradition multiplied out of the book penned by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell in 2005. Each of these examples display creativity and now beloved holiday activities derived from marketing.

So what exactly is Jólabókaflóð? According to Jolabokaflod.org, this encompasses the season of new book launches through the time when readers delve into the pages at Christmas. The volume of books notates a flood. Icelanders open gifts on December 24th by and large. Some partake in hot chocolate or Christmas ale (non-alcoholic). Many give and receive books as gifts. Hence, the tradition.

Multiple online sources exclaim the bookaholics abound in Iceland. According to statistics, nearly half the people read at least eight books per year. Curiosity reigned and a cursory web search yielded that conversely the median number of books read by each American is four per year. Though this number is skewed by bibliophiles or avid readers who devour gobs of books each year and the flip side of Americans who do not partake in pages at all. Perhaps Americans could join in on this tradition and up the ante?

Last year our youngest son and I decided to celebrate Jólabókaflóð after we both discovered social media posts extolling the event. We discussed, divided and conquered so to speak. Unbeknownst to my husband and our oldest son, we did a bit of recon to determine what types of books they each enjoy. Some research and a few carefully considered purchases later, we were on our way to our first book flood. Ah, and of course, the required accompanying chocolate hopped into our carts. Be still my heart. Seeking titles that our family members might like allowed us to draw closer and garner deeper understanding of our respective lives at the time. This was helpful as our children are grown and live miles apart. We all loved this new exchange and collectively agreed to continue in 2025. Half the fun is the hunt. Let the games begin. What shall they read this year?

So, dear readers, I share this Icelandic festivity with you so you might consider imparting with your friends or family. Search for a book you think they’ll fancy. Wrap it however you see fit. Attach a treat, chocolate perhaps. And spend some quality reading time with loved ones this Yule.

Gleðileg bókajól (Merry Christmas from the book world or Merry Bookmas)!

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 135 Plans, in 45 languages on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and an Aerospace grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers.

Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter

If you would like to read more, here are a few sources:

Jolabokaflod Christmas Book Flood • Reading for Pleasure

Jolabokaflod: A Cozy, Book-Filled Icelandic Holiday

Jólabókaflóð: The Christmas flood of books

The Need for Fireboats - Not What You Might Think

On our latest trip to Washington state, we passed notable history markers while walking along the coast. One such site - impossible to miss, Fireboat No.1. This massive steel-hulled ship in all its crimson glory, rests ashore on Point Ruston. Upon first glance, I thought it aided with wild hillside conflagrations or house fires. Yet in researching for this piece I discovered the original purpose of fireboats along the entirety of the west coast is not fire related, but rather fire adjacent. What drove the need? I’ll let you ponder that a bit while you peruse this vessel. 

Have you guessed yet?

For California, initially earthquakes predicated the desire for fireboats. Who knew? Earthquakes disrupt and dismantle. When water mains break underground, sea water is the best option to tackle fires.

For Washington state, the varied jobs of fireboats centered around the many facets of the lumber industry, from shipping to milling, and storage. The fireboats' efficiency kept fires from spreading amongst the warehouses. There were then and still are areas today of the Tacoma coastline where roads do not exist. The only manner of fighting fires was and is from the coastline for those locations. 

Fireboat No. 1 fun facts. Three shifts of twelve firefighters served to keep this 96'6" long boat running. It seems the red suits her better than her original gray and black. Don't you agree? Weighing in at 88.5 gross tons, this beauty has five engines, three propellers, and one rudder. Imagine the volume of water as her seven monitors (nozzles) could deliver as much water as ten firetrucks! She wears an electric winch, a searchlight, and a boom for the life boat. 2,500 feet of fire hoses can be attached at six outlets of the manifolds on each side. Even with all of these accoutrements, she could travel at nearly 16 miles per hour. Pretty quick for an old girl. In fact, in 1929, she was among the fastest of her kind.

Look at the red monitor (water cannon) at nearly the middle of the boat in the photo at left. It sports a white nozzle. Do you see it? Aptly named, "Big Bertha," this cannon delivered 6,500 gallons of water per minute - 475 feet. What a powerful tool to fight fires. 

Not only did the fireboat use water from the 38 miles of Tacoma waterfront, it also deployed foam in oil and gas fires. Above and beyond fires, Fireboat No. 1 served Tacoma by responding to emergencies. Bridge jumpers and sinking vessels fell under her purview. She carried out an estimated 80% of the emergency rescues since the Coast Guard operated less than 24 hours per day. 

Fireboat No. 1 raced into action on October 1, 1929. She faithfully served for 53 years. Then, she helped train firefighters before the transition to newer, more advanced fireboats. Independence Day Celebrations featured her in all her glory, often shooting colorful water from her monitors. Other local festivities offered a chance for her to shine over the years. When asked in a 1976 survey for favorite landmarks, the second highest votes landed on board Fireboat No. 1, shadowed only by Mt. Rainier. Fine company indeed.

One of my favorite findings while studying the history of Fireboat No. 1 is Robert Fields' assessment in the 1978 nomination form for Tacoma Register of Historic Places Inventory. "Its appearance is, perhaps, as dated as 'antique' firetrucks of this period, but the fireboat has remained almost unchanged because it so completely satisfied the function it was designed to perform, and because its durability has allowed it to remain 'in service' for more than half a century."

What a legacy. May we learn from her.

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 135 Plans, in 45 languages on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and an Aerospace grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers. 

Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter

Fields, R. (1978, January 24). Tacoma Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form. Tacoma; CMS City of Tacoma.

Do You Sea?

My husband and I traveled to Isle of Palms, South Carolina, for a much-needed bit of respite. We did not fully escape as his mom visited the hospital while we were gone. We still handled family affairs on both sides from afar. And yet, we relished long walks on the beach in addition to extended periods of sitting and listening to the waves. Hard to unwind at the beginning of the trip, my mind galloped. Funny what thoughts pervaded as these phrases surfaced:

Be still

You get out what you put in

Seize the day

While these phrases battle one another somewhat, there is something to be gleaned from each of the three above. As the world turns, some of the younger generations hear these platitudes from those who have more experience and perhaps wisdom. The words tend to rattle in nimble brains attempting to take hold. Yet not until later years do individuals possibly grasp the deepest meanings. Then inevitably, they wish they yielded the tenants sooner. Such is the cycle. At least in my personal frame of reference and in observing those around me. And so, as the sages before me, I attempt to impart upon the next. I hope to save someone from loss, frustration, or missing out on what could have been – a whole lot sooner.

During many of the quiet moments on the beach that followed, I wondered as I often do, who sat and listened here before me? Who found this place? How did this specific spot evolve into the sought after location that exists today?

Dear lovers of history, might I share that life can be infinitely richer when we know whose we are and pause to reflect and absorb where we are. Be still. We might not have time to do this on the regular. When we do allow ourselves the opportunity, experiences deepen. You get out what you put in. I mentioned in prior posts how I considered who strolled amongst the ancient trees over the years. Who stepped on the worn stone stairs in the narrow, dim corridors. Who sat in the creaky pews or on the hard benches to listen to messages. Who prayed while watching light dance through vibrant stained glass. Wonder and awe. Part of the reason I adore traveling.

On a quest for the earliest accounts of what was once called Hunting Island and after named Long Island, I discovered that the Sewee, or “Islanders” were Native Americans who inhabited this stretch of beach. In the accounts I read the Sewee offered lessons on local agriculture to the English. Welcoming and forthcoming, these people shared what they knew and possessed. As always, my heart hurt as I learned of the outcome for these giving souls. Many succumbed to smallpox. A large contingent of their men sought to traverse the waters to England for trade and perished at sea. Some believe foreigners sold a large number into the slave trade. Eventually, history stopped recording the Sewee people entirely. Can you imagine? Gone.

What was life like for the Sewee before the English landed ashore? Without the benefit of a weather channel or app reporting on the latest storms approaching the coastline, how did they prepare? Or did they? What did they eat? What did they believe? We may never know.

In 1696, Thomas Holton acquired the title for Long Island. Other than Holton, the island remained under the radar. Some hunting and fishing parties landed on the sandy beaches through the mid-18th century.

During the American Revolution, the British General Sir Henry Clinton landed his 2,500 troops on the northern end, (now known as Wild Dunes). He and his soldiers hoped to attack Fort Sullivan, but efforts were thwarted by rough currents and American troops of William Thompson. This kerfuffle contributed to General William Moultrie’s later defeat of the British. 

The first summer residence for a family was constructed in 1897. This spurred others to build. At the time, row boats provided transportation from the mainland. At the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, transportation evolved to include ferry boats and trolleys. The initial railways offered rather unstable rides as the rails shifted in sand.

Did you know the Ferris wheel created for the Chicago World's Fair of 1892 thrilled residents and visitors on the Isle of Palms as early as 1912? A hotel, beach pavilion, and dance hall provided entertainment. The hard packed beach offered a racetrack for horseless carriages (automobiles). Later, in addition to growth and construction mid-twentieth century, developer J.C. Long offered housing at lower costs to veterans returning from World War II. The island continued to grow as it gained full time residents. 

Automobile use on beaches was outlawed in 1953. That same year the longest fishing pier in South Carolina opened, replete with snack bar, sinks for cleaning fish, and restrooms.

By the 1970s the IOP reigned as a popular tourist destination. Even today, this stretch of pristine white beaches provides residents and visitors with a peaceful alternative to the party locales in other areas. Family friendly, alcohol is prohibited, automobiles are not allowed, and turtles are protected. Today home values skyrocket. Just over 4,300 people live permanently on this pleasant island, while records indicate 20,000 visitors per day. Incidentally, my best friend and I traveled here with our respective families for years before we even knew each other. It is one of the top family friendly beaches in the south. 

Seize the day. What can you visit and do on and around IOP today? What historical sights and sounds exist near the area? I hope to discover more on my next visit this month. Perhaps I will have new highlights to share in November.

If you are interested in learning, read this nifty article of Isle of Palms Firsts. 

Have you visited IOP? What is your favorite beach?

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 130 Plans, in 44 languages on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and a grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers. 

Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter

 

 

250 Years - How Does the US Army Keep Rolling Along?

As I sit in the ICU with my dad, random thoughts bounce along with the waveforms on the monitor. Alarms cry from other rooms. Nurses race, their gaits commensurate to the tasks at hand. I realize this is a room full of equipment to support, sustain, and save lives. Then, I imagine a time when these tools did not exist.

On June 14, 2025, The United States celebrated the birth of the US Army in 1775. This date signaled the creation of a mighty machine that would defend and protect, as well as heal. In the beginning, the Army did not have systems in place to advance men and supplies from one place to the next, nor to care for wounded or transport them to safety.

The complexity of the present organization and what it takes to make it crawl, walk, run is mindboggling to say the least. This I did not consider before our son entered the Army. Neither did I realize the volume of acronyms and abbreviations. More of those machinations to follow. No doubt there are hefty books and lengthy online posts describing the minutia of transportation alone. For this post, how about a few notable players and nifty tidbits across the years? While some of these additions may seem haphazard, they each have a connection to recent events or to my father whom I am watching over at the moment.

During one of our son’s training seasons, we visited the Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Virginia, recently renamed Joint Base Langley-Eustis. The exhibits explain transitions over time, inventions, and improvements to help the whole. Particularly fascinating, the Red Ball Express. Someone needed to transport fuel for the vehicles and supplies for the troops – to advance the lot. Stop and think about this job. Moving targets to be sure. A harrowing experience, to be responsible for the lifeblood of machines. Enemies strived toward eliminating options. This would be a quick method to deter and defeat the purpose. Not only the incendiary target, but other parties also desired the fuel. A jerrycan sold for $100 on the French black market during WWII. The rations and cigarettes as coveted commodities caused trouble. Some Red Ball trucks did not reach their destinations due to theft and an evermoving front that plowed onward. Red Ball trucks followed the line to the front in some areas with maps, in others with large rectangular signs with large red balls in the middle. A beacon of sorts. Though their name did not result from these guideposts. Rather from a rail related term denoting shipments of a priority or express nature.

Imagine the landscape when Normandy Allied operations were 200 days ahead of plans and projections. This scenario delivered additional sustainment challenges. A unit in 1944 demanded each day, thirty-five tons of field rations. An estimated seventy-five thousand plus tons of supplies and equipment sought transportation across the miles.

American troops bombed extensive sections of French railways to thwart the German Army from moving toward Normandy and other key locations. While protecting the American Army, these detonations also posed the problem of transportation for the US soldiers and their necessary equipment. This LSCO or large-scale combat operation, necessitated moving men, rations, fuel, and vehicles across a vast expanse of territory. Consider all involved. Men need clothing, boots, gear, food, water, medical supplies, communication methods, vehicles, fuel, all related MOS or Military Occupational Specialty for each task/job, and more. Then, the roads must be sufficient to handle the volume of people and machines traversing. The small existing French roads at the time could not accommodate this mass. Crews constantly repaired roads. The entire process daunting and detailed required innovations and improvisations. And yet the US Army perseveres. (Read more about the Red Ball Express on the US Army Transportation Corps site.)

During the Korean War, the H-13 helicopter served as a notable method of moving men. H-13s flew wounded soldiers from combat zones to MASH units – Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals for treatment. The Army cleverly modified the H-13 based on need. External litters with the head area comprised of Plexiglass allowed more secure and less traumatic experiences. Before the use of H-13, trucks navigated rough Korean terrain often causing shock. The helicopters hence named, “Angels of Mercy” for their ability of smooth speed. One pilot logged 700 hours and 545 missions over a 14-month period, delivering 922 casualties. Of the 23,000 soldiers transported, 18,000 rode on an H-13.

Throughout a long period of my childhood, I could hear the theme song from the TV show, M.A.S.H., floating from the living room. My father’s favorite show for its humor, I imagine he watched the reruns multiple times. I never knew then that our son would later land in an adjacent role. I am ever grateful for all those who served before and those who dedicate their lives to making ours safer. Better.

The Vietnam War comprised different challenges and a generation who would blame rather than thank American soldiers. The M54A1C Truck for cargo solved some of the logistical problems while displaying the disgruntled state of mind of those involved by the names painted on its well-insulated sides. The M54A1C in this photo garnered its moniker from a Barry McGuire song of protest, “Eve of Destruction.” With two sheets of steel plates had sandbags in between – a double hull design, this vehicle augmented protection for supply convoys. The “Eve” is the only gun truck (known) in existence from this war. This 5-ton, 6 x 6 (Modified) M54A1C drove into the kill zones at the beginning of the ambush, all out guns. The firepower provided a shield of sorts.

From 1956 – 1989 the Versatile Mule provided transportation in a variety of scenarios. More adaptable than the Jeep, its relative longevity due to vast options and adaptions. Read about the history of the Jeep in The Origin of the Jeep oIIIIIIIo. . The Mule also aided in multiple wars until it finally retired in the late 1980s. Its successor, nimble ATVs.

To finish on a lighter note, not all transportation involved defeating an enemy. Some offered hope and help. A pilot, Lieutenant Gail S. “Hal” Halverson, gave his last two pieces of gum to German children. These littles shared his scant offering amongst themselves behind a fence as he surveyed the area during an operation. An idea formed to deliver on a mass-scale. He told the children to look for his plane and he would drop sweets to their locations. They asked how they would recognize him amongst the other planes. He explained he would wiggle the airplane wings and henceforth they called him, “Uncle Wiggle Wings” (“Onkle Wachlefluge).” A group effort, Hal’s commander bestowed permission to continue. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts donated material and handkerchiefs to make tiny parachutes to deliver tons of candy that could be air-dropped to German youth. Confectioners provided candy. The “Candy Bomber” as Hal was also named, offered a temporary escape from the horrors of war. These children experienced joy drifting down from above in the form of small gifts attached to white parachutes.

We as lovers of history enjoy delving into the past to learn and appreciate. We can apply this bent to another aspect of our lives as we realize gratitude causes a shift. Compassion. When we ponder those around us, their lives before and what they are experiencing, we gain understanding. Taking a moment to consider components of how a person arrived at present can be interesting, enlightening, and aid in connections between us and another. For example, that crazy driver with road rage might not be so deranged at all. They could be on the way to the hospital with a loved one in dire straits. They did not mean to derail another driver’s morning. No, this did not occur for my dad’s current visit. Just an observation and perhaps helpful perspective. Henceforth, I aim to approach others with the curiosity I extend to a wizened old tree, a beautiful building, or an ancient artifact. 

Do you do the same?

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 130 Plans, in 44 languages on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and a college senior. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers.


Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter