MUSINGS

As ‘reported’ awhile ago, we at The Study have over the years established a tradition of celebrating certain British doings which especially appeal to us as we endeavor to keep alive the special relationship between our family and our other Mother Country, if you will.


Such has been the case with the weddings of Charles and Diana; Kate and William; the Golden Jubilee and the most recent Diamond Jubilee, an American version of which was held here a weekend ago.

We invited 15 or so folks over for fellowship, food, drinks, and ceremony: British memorabilia; trivia game and prizes; croquet; tales of visits to the UK; and finally our version of the Jubilee Beacon.

We shared an American household’s version of what was going on ‘across the Pond’.
We observed a few traditions.

And so it was especially gratifying to read in my alumni magazine this quarter an essay regarding the importance of traditions by the current Headmaster of my old school.

I excerpt and paraphrase some of his comments below:

In every culture there are moments that are marked by specific rituals or actions because these moments are defining moments either for an individual in the community or for the community itself. We surround these moments with ceremony and we embellish the moments with music or costumes or pageantry….


Tradition is not what we leave behind. Tradition is what we pass on. Celebrating the histories…is also celebrating our future. The promises made to earlier generations are made again, renewed and enriched by our shared experiences and inspired by the opportunity to shape a vision for the future linked by our common journey.

What splendid stuff!!

And so it is that we celebrate our family and our national traditions as we can, aware of the value of doing so.

Such are the musings of an old history teacher.

BOOK CURRENTLY READ

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, John Berendt....the book we are about to finish.

I suppose most folks, or many at least, have read it a long time ago.
We are returned from Savannah and had to read it.

Dear Wife read it some time ago.

Read it.
'Tis good stuff.

I have a sense I have made similar remarks as above some time ago.

It happens.

Sorry.

But again, it is late and wanted to mention a good read.

When you get a chance, visit Savannah....and Charlston...and Beaufort......

We had such a time.....
Learned so much...

Met so many people and things and facts....

IT IS LATE

8 June…and we have missed any reference to a trifecta: Memorial Day; the Queen’s Jubilee; and the Day called D.


We note in an AP release that a 12-foot tall bronze statue of Major Winters of Easy Company, the 506th PIR…Screaming Eagles…. was unveiled Wednesday…
The 68th anniversary of The Day….06-06-44….

We made no mention of the anniversary here at The Study…..
Nor did b.o….
We are told the second time he has ignored the anniversary.

Such a piece of work.

But that does not excuse us…..

We were otherwise occupied.
So it goes.

We will try to do better.

Memorial Day was also ignored here..
We were otherwise occupied.

But, we did the duty with the Diamond Jubilee….
Not on the website….
But at The Study.

A lovely gaggle of friends over; lots of fellowship and food and bubbly and items relating to HRH Elizabeth II…..

But nothing written herein….
We will try to do better….

The Duke is in hospital.
Our prayers are sent heavenwards on his behalf.

Here at The Study we observed the wedding of Diana and Charles; the 50th Anniversary; the wedding of Kate and William; and the Diamond Jubilee.

We do what we can.

We tell our friends what we think is important.

It is a wonder they put up with us.

It is late.

Take good care.