At a certain age, you don’t have to learn history, you’ve lived it. Here’s some of what we’ve lived. And a wish from both of us for peace and health in the New Year. Fern: 1954 Oh, Pioneer! I was a Polio Pioneer. My public school in the Bronx was picked to join the elementary schools around the country in this courageous experiment. Children, more than a million, in grades one to three participated. The schools were in Austin, Texas; in Chicago; in Eau Claire, Wis.; in Smith Grove, Ky; in Cedar Rapids, Iowa — public schools all across the country.
Fern, I was also a Polio Pioneer. When you were in the big city of Cedar Rapids, I was among farm kids attending the Marion Rural Elementary School that later became Linn-Mar School District. We rode buses into town (Marion) and half of my class (4th grade?) received the vaccine while the other half received a placebo. I don’t remember being frightened; we were proud to do our duty for the country. Our parents (and yours) had fought in WWII and were intensely patriotic. Later the placebo group had to receive the real vaccine; I was fortunate to receive the real stuff the first time. I don’t think I’m old, but I appreciate your phrase about living through what is now considered history. Thank both of you for rekindling memories. I know I should document them for my grandchildren.
I, too, have lived through all these events. As important as it is to live through history, we also must read about history that preceded our lives. Many Americans think we can’t lose the freedoms we have enjoyed all of our lives, but we can. It’s happened before, and to people who also thought it could never happen to them.
Fern, I was also a Polio Pioneer. When you were in the big city of Cedar Rapids, I was among farm kids attending the Marion Rural Elementary School that later became Linn-Mar School District. We rode buses into town (Marion) and half of my class (4th grade?) received the vaccine while the other half received a placebo. I don’t remember being frightened; we were proud to do our duty for the country. Our parents (and yours) had fought in WWII and were intensely patriotic. Later the placebo group had to receive the real vaccine; I was fortunate to receive the real stuff the first time. I don’t think I’m old, but I appreciate your phrase about living through what is now considered history. Thank both of you for rekindling memories. I know I should document them for my grandchildren.
I, too, have lived through all these events. As important as it is to live through history, we also must read about history that preceded our lives. Many Americans think we can’t lose the freedoms we have enjoyed all of our lives, but we can. It’s happened before, and to people who also thought it could never happen to them.
Always a pleasure to read your writings! ❤️
Thank you.
Amazing and Heart Felt❤️