Saturday 9

 

God Bless America

Saturday 9: God Bless America

Unfamiliar with Deanna Durbin's rendition of week's tune? Hear it here.

Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle. 

This week's Saturday 9 is from the archives. 


1) Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, this is when memorials, as well as the graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers on this day to show our appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood?

I love to go to Eisenhower Park.  It’s halfway between my house and my office.  The county war memorial is located in the park.

You can see all my photos here.


2) Andrew Johnson, our 17th President, was in office the first time Memorial/Decoration Day was celebrated. Have you ever met one of our Presidents? 

If you know anything about me, you know I am very political.  I’ve met two US Senators and three members of the House.  I’ve never met a President …but …

Back in the 90’s we lived in an apartment  in Queens.  Our balcony looked down onto the Van Wyck Expressway.  If we looked south we could see the control tower at JFK.  One day President Clinton was visiting NYC, and his motorcade traveled up the Van Wyck, right past our apartment.  We stood on the balcony and waved.

3) According to the AAA, more than 30 million Americans will hit the road this weekend and drive more than 50 miles. Will you be traveling far from home this weekend? 

Nope.  We’re doing a garage sale.

4) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food? 

If we’re headed to the beach — I used to stop at the deli and get some sandwiches, probably corned beef or pastrami.  But since I went gluten free I’m more likely to make my own sandwich.

5) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on? 

No.  I have an air conditioner in my room but haven’t felt the need to plug it in or turn it on.

6) Though she's belting out one of America's best loved patriotic songs, Deanna Durbin was born in Canada. Is there anyone in your family or circle of friends who wasn't born in the USA?

I live and work in a suburb of NYC, what do you think? 

Back in the 90’s, I used to have a coworker, an absolutely brilliant attorney.  I haven’t thought about him in years, until just now.  He was born in Egypt, raised in Israel and educated in England before emigrating to the US.  He was fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, English and French.   His handwriting looked like hieroglyphics.  The day we switched to computerized file notes everyone cheered.

7) No longer a household name, Ms. Durbin was once one of the biggest stars in the country. One of her most popular films was 1937's One Hundred Men and a Girl, which was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Recommend a movie that you really like, but don't think many Saturday 9ers have seen.

We’re an eclectic bunch, it’s hard …I love a variety of movies, current and classic. I’ll name one I don’t think most of us have seen.  Auntie Mame, the nonmusical version with Rosalind Russell.  You’re far more likely to have seen the musical Mame, the movie version of the musical starred Lucille Ball.

8) Back in 1938, Deanna Durbin had her handprints cemented in front of the TCL Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. Have you ever visited that Los Angeles tourist attraction?

No, I’ve never been to LA

9) Random question: What food did you hate as a child, but enjoy now?

Peas.  My mother used to serve canned peas all the time and I hated them!  I thought I hated peas, but it turns out I hated canned peas.  I love fresh or frozen peas.

Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!