by Bob Sparrow
I’m sorry, but I can’t take you to someplace new EVERY two weeks, so I’m staying home and recognizing some historical and some not-so-historical personal events that took place this week.
- June 1, 1967: Sgt. Pepper Released: The Beatles released their groundbreaking album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in the United States.
On June 1, 1961: I was first pepper sprayed for getting too fresh on a first date
Birthday wishes today go out to Marylin Monroe and Brigham Young – a great couple!
- June 2, 1953: Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II: Following her accession in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II was officially crowned at Westminster Abbey, marking the first coronation to be televised.
On June 2, 1968: I graduated from Westminster College and was crowned the ‘most likely to embarrass himself in a job interview’, which I did, but it was thankfully not televised.
Many of you sickos will be wishing Marquis de Sade a Happy Birthday today, but I’m going to wish my granddaughter, Addison Sparrow Borrelli a happy 9th birthday!
- June 3, 1965: First US Spacewalk: Astronaut Ed White became the first American to walk in space during the Gemini 4 mission, lasting 22 minutes.
On June 3,1971: It took me 22 minutes to complete a sobriety field test walk of ten feet. I may have not been walking in space, but I was feeling spaced as I walked.
Another birthday today for anti-Civil Right leader Jefferson Davis – Confederate President
- June 4, 1942: Battle of Midway Begins: A pivotal naval battle in the Pacific Theater of WWII began, shifting the advantage to the United States.
On June 4, 2000: I lost the battle searching my mid-drift for my naval at the Pacific gym as I weighed in at 240 pounds, shifting the advantage to expansive underwear.
It is the king we fought in our Revolutionary War’s birthday today, King George III – “The British Are Coming”; (But they won’t stay for dinner.)
- June 5, 1967: Six-Day War Begins: Conflicts began between Israel and its neighbors (Egypt, Jordan, and Syria).
On June 5, 1986: the beginning of the six-day battle with three neighbors over which dog left his ‘greeting card’ on my front porch.
Fall asleep tonight with some soft alto saxophone music on Kenny G’s birthday
- June 6, 1944: D-Day (Operation Overlord): Allied forces launched a massive invasion of Normandy, France, during WWII, opening the Western Front.
On June 6, 2003: Operation Overbearing was launched when I had to listen to some French woman talk about her Western Front – I reminded her that she’d be speaking German if not for us.
The Dalai Lama is 91 today – Namaste
- June 7, 1929: Vatican City Recognized: Vatican City became a sovereign state following the exchange of documents ratifying the Lateran Treaty.
On June 7, 1966: I was recognized as a ‘person of interest’ in a sorority panty-raid, when I was caught with said garmet on my head.
French Post-Impressionist painter, Paul Gauguin’s birthday party today, he won’t be attending – he died in 1903
Yeah, I know; I hope I’ll be traveling somewhere soon too!
Susan,
I recently read your book, In the Enemy’s Camp and it is excellent. My father was a WW 2 Veteran and my great uncle died in the Bataan Death March. I teach in the School of Nursing at Azusa Pacific University and one of my research areas is the internment camps in the Philippines with a particular focus on Navy Nurse Edwina Todd who was at Los Banos. I would love to connect with you at some point if you are available.
Thank you, Brent Wood
Brent,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m sorry for the experience that your uncle endured and his loss of life. In the course of writing my book I connected with a few of the men who liberated Cabanatuan and they were horrified by the conditions of that camp.
As you have undoubtedly discovered, not a lot of people know about the civilians held in Japanese prisoner of war camps, so I applaud you bringing Edwina Todd’s story to life. I would be more than happy to connect any time. You can contact me at 2watson1987@gmail.com.
Best,
Suzanne
Even when you’re not traveling, your remarks are fascinating. Thanks, Bob!
Thank YOU Janet!!
I always remember June 1st as Marilyn Monroe’s birthday as it is also the birthday of my ex-wife. She reminded me of that regularly.
Which reminds me, I need to send her a birthday email so we remain on good terms. Life’s better that way.
Good thinkng Burt!!!