November: A month for Reflection and Gratitude

Today, November 11th is called Veterans Day in the United States. 

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Unfortunately this "War to end all wars" did not achieve that goal and the world is experiencing many conflicts today, the most horrific, or at least most televised being the War in Ukraine and the war of Israel against Hamas, the terrorist group which attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and has basically destroyed the Gaza Strip, home to thousands of fleeing or dead Palestinians. Without successful negotiations, others (Iran) may enter the conflict and escalate this deadly war. We all pray for peace, the release of hostages, and humanitarian efforts to get the water, electricity, food and medical care to enable Gazans to survive somehow. Smaller, but equally tragic conflicts and genocides exist throughout the world, adding to natural disasters of floods, fires, etc. 

I recommend a 4 hour Netflix movie based on Anthony Doerr's book All the Light we Cannot See, about heroes of World War II in France

I am grateful to my ancestors and others who fought in European,  Revolutionary, Civil, Vietnam, Korean, and other wars. And to the thousands who serve today. Many gave their lives, or their physical and mental health. We honor them all, as well as their families.

 My father's father, Irving Cowan Allen, was exempt from the draft in 1918 for failing eyesight, giving up his career as a petroleum chemist, but contributed his expertise by research and instructing others. He tragically died in 1924 of ptomaine poisoning, leaving my grandmother Sallie a widow for 43 years. Their son, my father, Oliver Irving Allen, trained troops at various military bases in the US. In 1943 my mother accompanied him to Officers Candidate School in Fargo, North Dakota. While there she miscarried her first child. If she hadn't I would not have been born, so I guess I should be grateful!

on a happier note...

I enjoyed so much the wonderful Virginia Tanner dance performance of my 5th grade twin granddaughters Stephanie (far left) and Elise (center, in yellow) Carlston. Tanner founded the company in 1925 for girls (elementary through high school) to find joy in expressing themselves through dance.

Tanna Gledhill opened her gorgeous home for our "Prime Timers" potluck luncheon

Neighborhood friends dropped in for"Hot Chocolate morning"at my house and fun conversation.

   It was good to walk in the neighborhood with some after a family                    dinner. Marc and Fernanda, Peter and Rebecca, Emily.

A very competitive game (0-0) between the national US women's soccer team and the national team of Colombia. Cordelia (8) is a budding soccer player.

Part of our My Hometown Provo English class: such fun people!

By helping at the MTC I get to enjoy the Tuesday evening devotionals for the almost 3,000 young and senior missionaries preparing to serve 18 or 24 months. Around 900 sang in the choir this week. The speakers were Apostle and Sister Uchtdorf with an inspiring lesson on faith and hope in Jesus Christ.

May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving next week. Take a few minutes to reflect on the people, opportunities, material and spiritual blessings you enjoy. Sometimes they are very small, but make all the difference in our lives! I am continually in awe of beautiful sunsets, flaming fall colors, and good people who appear when I need them.

My neighbor, Tamara Runia, leader of the Young Women's organization for the worldwide LDS church, reminded us to be each others' cheerleaders: "everybody needs a cheerleader---someone who isn't telling you, "You're not running fast enough"; they're lovingly reminding you that you can. Let me be yours.

     Sunset photo taken by the Welches from their deck in Provo hills