Final: Historic Anniversaries

Dramatic events in our country's history are extremely important and should be commemorated by present and future generations for years to come.

Events like the bombing of Pearl Harbor or the September 11th attacks mark a significant time in our history because of the lives lost as a result of the terrible occurrences.

Although it has been 70 years since the bombing of Pearl Harbor and 9/11, the lives lost during and after the attacks still affect us as Americans.

The soldiers who lost their lives during war after these attacks also show that others were willing to fight to protect our country and its citizens.

This directly connects us to the events.

While some may have lost family members and friends as a result of these traumatic events and the battles that followed, these losses should still have an impact on those without loved ones who were taken from them.

Future generations should continue to appreciate those who fought to protect them and their ancestors but it is up to the individual to decide whether they should care about defining anniversaries in our history.

News outlets such as newspapers, magazines and television may also help bring attention to these horrible events of our country's past so that future generations can remember and appreciate the lives that were lost.

During the tenth anniversary of 9/11, there were many documentaries and lots of media coverage embracing the anniversary.

Stories about the event made it to the front page of most of the newspapers across the country to ensure that the lives lost were remembered.

People will continue to remember dramatic events in history as long as they are exposed to them whether in the media, at school or through stories that they hear from loved ones.

As long as we keep these memories alive, they will continue to hold significance in our hearts.

Word of the Week #10: Austerity

Word Count: 96

1. The Word: Austerity
2. Where it was found: Wall Street Journal article ("Fashion's Real Housewives") (Click here for link)
3. Sentence (from which the word was found): His ladies were prim to the point of austerity.
4. Dictionary Definition: (noun) 
   1 the quality or state of being austere
   2 a : an austere act, manner, or attitude b : an ascetic practice

   Austere: A stern and cold in appearance or manner
   (Click here for link)
5. Original Sentence: The old mansion had a sense of austerity to it as the atmosphere was unwelcoming and cold.

Fairytale News Story: Little Red Riding Hood

Word Count: 158

A local girl and her sick grandmother were rescued after a wolf attack Saturday night.

Little Red Riding Hood was walking through the woods to bring food to her grandmother's house.

A wolf stalked the young girl and planned to have her for his next meal.

The wolf suggested that she pick flowers to surprise her grandmother.

He used used this time to go to the grandmother's house.

The wolf disguised himself as Little Red Riding Hood and swallowed the grandmother whole.

When Little Red Riding Hood made it to her grandmother's house, the wolf was dressed in her grandmother's clothes.

The girl questioned the wolf's large hands and teeth.

"The better to eat you with!" said the wolf who then swallowed the girl whole.

A hunter saved the pair by cutting the wolf open.

The trio filled the wolf's body with stones.

The thirsty wolf fell into a well and drowned after awaking and looking for water.

Word of the Week #9: Regalia

Word Count: 88

1. The Word: Regalia
2. Where it was found: Wall Street Journal article ("Medals of Honor") (Click here for link)
3. Sentence (from which the word was found): A new book chronicles American military history through 150 pieces of regalia.
4. Dictionary Definition: (noun) a : the emblems, symbols, or paraphernalia indicative of royalty b : decorations or insignia indicative of an office or membership (Click here for link)
5. Original Sentence: The army veterans were dressed in their uniforms with pieces of regalia pinned to their chests.

Word of the Week #8: Sumptuous

Word Count: 100

1. The Word: Sumptuous
2. Where it was found: Wall Street Journal article ("Luxuriously Cozy Winter Coats ") (Click here for link)
3. Sentence (from which the word was found): Lanvin's sumptuous black cashmere cardigan, with a fox collar, zippered front and pockets (£3,650), will double as a super-chic daytime cardigan or a night-time black-tie coat, thrown over a long skirt and simple top.
4. Dictionary Definition: (adjective) extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent. (Definition found here)
5. Original Sentence: The beautiful English princess was followed by her seven foot train as she walked down the aisle in a sumptuous diamond studded white silk gown.

Japanese Internment Memorial

Word Count: 300

While visiting the Japanese Internment Memorial, there were many images that caught my attention. Some were sad, some were relatable, and some were appalling. There were very few happy images so this immediately caught my eye. While the Japanese were facing extreme hardships while in the internment camps, I do appreciate that they were still able to at least enjoy some of the activities from the "outside world." The image above shows children playing marbles, learning in a classroom setting, painting, participating in Boy Scouts, playing volleyball, and a sport that appears to be lacrosse or possibly baseball.

I really appreciate the attention to detail in each of the scenes. For instance, with the Boy Scouts, they are all wearing the standard uniform including the scarf, shirt, shorts, belt, hat, knee high socks, and shoes. I also really like how each scene ties into one larger scene. Although each small scene can stand on it's own, as a whole, they all connect and appear to be set in the same place.

I cannot imagine the pain and suffering that these people had to endure. If I was taken from my home and placed in a camp that resembled a prison, I would feel so isolated and so caged up. If I had guns pointed at me and soldiers watching my every move, I'd feel like a prisoner and the worst part would be that I was innocent. I don't know if I would have the strength of ability to even get up and "have fun." So when I see these images, I feel like they bring life to such a horrifying time in our country's history. I'm sure at the time, these children brought much laughter to their families as well because of their cheerful spirits during the rough time.

Word of the Week #7: Tulle

Word Count: 109

1. The Word: Tulle
2. Where it was found: Wall Street Journal article ("Prada? No, I made It Myself") (Click here for link)
3. Sentence (from which the word was found): When Ms. Domesek rolls it out, it expands into a giant and carefully categorized storage space with drawers with labels like "tulle" and "tubes."
4. Dictionary Definition: (noun) a sheer often stiffened silk, rayon, or nylon net used chiefly for veils or ballet costumes. (Definition found here)
5. Original Sentence: The bride was hesitant about the layers of tulle surrounding the bottom of her dress because she believed that it added extra weight and made her look heavier.