Looking Back - Reminiscing with Jack Lebo
Remembering Our Veterans...And The History Of Veterans’ Day
November 11 happens to be a very special day for this scribe. It also is the day of my birth.
When I was just a slip of a youngster, my parents would tell me the reason for all the flags flying was because the nation was celebrating my birthday. In time, I discovered the real reason for the celebration.
I consulted with the U.S. Army Center of Military History to investigate the background for our present-day celebration of Veterans Day. World War II vet Mickey Green of Bryn Mawr, PA, who just turned 90, certainly has a fantastic memory. He recalls many of the historic events listed here.
Evolution of Vets Day
Beginning in 1918, World War I, then simply referred to as The Great War, ended with the implementation of an armistice (temporary cessation of hostilities in this case, until the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of Versailles, was signed in 1919) between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November.
In 1919, on November 11, President Woodrow Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day, with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it had freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two-minute period beginning at 11 a.m., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.
In 1920, on the second anniversary of the armistice, France and the United Kingdom held ceremonies honoring the unknown dead from the war, and at the suggestion of church groups, President Wilson names the Sunday nearest Armistice Day Sunday, on which should be held services in the interest of international peace.
In 1921, Congress passed legislation of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and November 11 is chosen for the date of the ceremony. Accordingly, on October 20, Congress declares November 11, 1921 a legal Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war. The ceremony was conducted with great success.
During the year 1926, Congress adopted a resolution directing the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the observance of Armistice Day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most states establish November 11 as a legal holiday and at the federal level, an annual proclamation is issued by the President.
Congress passed legislation on May 13, 1938 making each November 11, a legal federal holiday, Armistice Day. The United States has no ‘actual’ national holidays because the states retain the right to designate their own holidays. The federal government can, in fact only, designate holidays for federal employees and for the District of Columbia. But in practice, the states almost always follow the federal lead in designation of holidays.
From 1941 through 1953, World War II and the Korean War created millions of additional war veterans in addition to those of the First World War already honored by Armistice Day.
In 1954, on June 1, President Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name of the legal holiday to Veteran’s Day. In 1968, Congress passed the “Monday” Holiday Law which established the fourth Monday in October as the new date for the observance of Veteran’s Day. The law took effect in 1971.
As a result, from 1971-1975, the federal observance of Veterans Day is held on the fourth Monday of October. Initially, all states follow suit except Mississippi and South Dakota. But in 1975, federal legislation was enacted to return the federal observance of Veteran’s Day to November 11, based on popular support throughout the nation. In 1978, Veteran’s Day observance reverted to November 11.
(Editor’s Note: This all sounds confusing, but that’s the entire story from the U.S. Army Center of Military History.)
*
Mrs. Sara Harkin, a Philadelphian, sure recalls some memories that I had long forgotten. She must be eating some certain foods that awaken your brain power. In her note, she details a number of old Philly locations throughout the area that will refresh many of our readers. For instance:
The Area at 46th & Market Streets was the home of many of those who enjoy ice skating and other sporting events. The Chevaus and Adelphia Roller Skating rinks were great for good times, and a visit to The Hot Shoppes was always a MUST afterward!
Then there was The Belmont Theatre at 52nd & Market Streets, where they featured all-day matinees for free if you had a slip of paper from the previous Saturday. That and a nickel could admit you in the Shirley Temple contests for look-alikes.
Sara also recalls the Horn & Hardart automats, where many of the kids in the area would use slugs to buy food from the small windows which features everything from soup to nuts until the management got wise to the shenanigans.
How many recall the Family Drive-in at Clifton Heights, which has now been replaced by a K-Mart?
The classic recording of “Bluebird of Happiness” sung by Jan Peerce was always played at midnight on Saturdays on Joe McCauley’s all-night show on station WIP, long before talk shows came along. And how about shopping downtown? You would always wear a dress, heels and gloves.
Atlantic City was quite different from the old days. We always were dressed to the nines. Our ensemble for Boardwalk walking was dresses, heels and gloves, and don’t forget those covers for your heels, so that you would not get caught between the openings in the boards.
For other fun locations, there were Woodside and Willow Grove Parks and Crystal and Boulevard Pools.
Finally, the ice-man would deliver his wares two or three times weekly for our old, oak ice-boxes. If you didn’t empty the drip-pan underneath often, the overflow would flood the kitchen. Another fine mess for the mop!
*
Leave it to Barbara Daniels of Secane, PA, to come up with another unique look at the world around us. This edition, she tackles those shady figures on the silver screens of America who we’ve grown to love and hate — those mad movie monsters!
When we were kids, we would shake in our boots when we were told “The Boogie Man” will get you. Probably our first encounter with movie monsters was in 1931 when the traveling terror from Transylvania, “Count Dracula,” portrayed by Bela Lugosi first appeared. His favorite drink of choice happened to be human blood!
Also, that same year, we met “The Monster,” created by the mad scientist, “Dr. Von Frankenstein.” The monster was a big, likeable fellow who just wanted to find a bride. He roamed around the Bavarian countryside, looking for friends.
The next chiller was provided by “The Wolfman,” portrayed by Lon Chaney Jr., whose favorite romping time was when the full moon would appear, thus enabling him to devour human flesh after he had been bitten by a fellow-werewolf .
And who could ever forget our pal, “King Kong,” that playful ape from 1933? He was a huge 50-foot gorilla who just wanted to be left alone on Skull Island and be worshipped by the native.
In 1935, we met “The Mummy,” played by Boris Karloff. He was an ancient Egyptian bodyguard at the tomb of the princess he loved. Centuries later, the tomb was discovered and opened by archaeologists killed by the Mummy after he was brought to life, shuffling after them, wrapped in his rotted gauze bandages.
Probably, the scariest creature at the time in 1951, was “The Thing,” portrayed by James Arness, later appearing as the lead character on “Gunsmoke.” The audience was shocked beyond belief when we witnessed him being destroyed by electricity.
In 1951, from the cult classic film, “The Day The Earth Stood Still,” we met “Gort,” the huge robot figure, who came to earth in a flying saucer. He was accompanied by Michael Rennie, the actor who uttered the catchy phrase; “Gort-Klaatu-Bora Da- Niktoo.” Real frightening stuff!
First swimming to the surface in 1954 was “The Creature from the Black Lagoon.” He was a Gilled Upright Beast who was thought to be “The Missing Link,” between Fish and Man. He enjoyed snacking on and devouring pretty maidens.
Another unforgettable scene was from the 1960 film “Psycho,” when we witnessed the bloody stabbing of poor Janet Leigh in the bathroom shower scene, prompting many of us to swear off showers for life.
Then in 1958, we met “The Blob,” a huge pulsating mass of jelly that grew over 50 feet after devouring a number of screaming villagers. Actor Steve McQueen played the teenager who finally destroyed “The Blob,” with fire extinguishers containing cold Carbon Dioxide Gas, which frosted it into oblivion.
Japanese film makers also came up with a motley crew of dragon-like creatures, including the infamous “Godzilla,” followed by “Gorgo,” “Ghidrah,” and “Mothra,” who all created havoc destroying cities by the dozens.
Through the years, these great monsters all led up to the ultimate “Scare-You-Out-Of-Your Wits” beast when in 1975, we were thrust into the mouth of the great white shark, of course, “Jaws,” who to this very day, sends chills up and down our spines!
*
Jules Schaeffer of Holland, PA, recalls attending the movies as a youngster. Before the feature presentation, he remembered that several short subjects were shown including The March of Time, narrated by Westbrook Van Vorhees, John Nesbitt’s Passing Parade, The Pathe News of the Day introduced by a crowing rooster and Movietone News with Lowell Thomas and comic Lew Leher wearing a strange hat saying, “Monkeys is the cwaziest people!”
Then there was at least one cartoon and sometimes a Robert Benchley humorous short. Can you imagine, all this for a thin dime?
*
Upper Southampton’s Arnold Smith, an avid radio listener, always tuned in to Joe McCauley’s Night Patrol Show on WIP-AM, during the early 1940s and could not wait until midnight, when, without fail McCauley would play Jan Peerce’s moving recording of “The Bluebird of Happiness.” I was fortunate to find that 78 rpm record in my collection and obliged him with a tape of the song. It goes without saying, that he was absolutely delighted.
*
Walt Disney fan Caren Day of the Penn Care Medical Center, had always been enthralled with Disney’s early cartoons. In 1937, Walt produced his first full-length feature, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and she has a problem remembering the dwarfs’ names. Here goes, Caren, jot this down for future reference — Dopey, Sleepy, Sneezy, Doc, Happy, Grumpy and Bashful. Dopey was the bald-headed one without a beard.
*
Looking Back appears each month. Do you have a memory you’d like to share? Drop a line to: Jack Lebo, Looking Back, 37 Locust Lane, Levittown, PA 19054, or call (215) 943-8870, email: jacklebo@verizon.net.
November 11 happens to be a very special day for this scribe. It also is the day of my birth.
When I was just a slip of a youngster, my parents would tell me the reason for all the flags flying was because the nation was celebrating my birthday. In time, I discovered the real reason for the celebration.
I consulted with the U.S. Army Center of Military History to investigate the background for our present-day celebration of Veterans Day. World War II vet Mickey Green of Bryn Mawr, PA, who just turned 90, certainly has a fantastic memory. He recalls many of the historic events listed here.
Evolution of Vets Day
Beginning in 1918, World War I, then simply referred to as The Great War, ended with the implementation of an armistice (temporary cessation of hostilities in this case, until the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of Versailles, was signed in 1919) between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November.
In 1919, on November 11, President Woodrow Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day, with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it had freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two-minute period beginning at 11 a.m., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.
In 1920, on the second anniversary of the armistice, France and the United Kingdom held ceremonies honoring the unknown dead from the war, and at the suggestion of church groups, President Wilson names the Sunday nearest Armistice Day Sunday, on which should be held services in the interest of international peace.
In 1921, Congress passed legislation of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and November 11 is chosen for the date of the ceremony. Accordingly, on October 20, Congress declares November 11, 1921 a legal Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war. The ceremony was conducted with great success.
During the year 1926, Congress adopted a resolution directing the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the observance of Armistice Day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most states establish November 11 as a legal holiday and at the federal level, an annual proclamation is issued by the President.
Congress passed legislation on May 13, 1938 making each November 11, a legal federal holiday, Armistice Day. The United States has no ‘actual’ national holidays because the states retain the right to designate their own holidays. The federal government can, in fact only, designate holidays for federal employees and for the District of Columbia. But in practice, the states almost always follow the federal lead in designation of holidays.
From 1941 through 1953, World War II and the Korean War created millions of additional war veterans in addition to those of the First World War already honored by Armistice Day.
In 1954, on June 1, President Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name of the legal holiday to Veteran’s Day. In 1968, Congress passed the “Monday” Holiday Law which established the fourth Monday in October as the new date for the observance of Veteran’s Day. The law took effect in 1971.
As a result, from 1971-1975, the federal observance of Veterans Day is held on the fourth Monday of October. Initially, all states follow suit except Mississippi and South Dakota. But in 1975, federal legislation was enacted to return the federal observance of Veteran’s Day to November 11, based on popular support throughout the nation. In 1978, Veteran’s Day observance reverted to November 11.
(Editor’s Note: This all sounds confusing, but that’s the entire story from the U.S. Army Center of Military History.)
*
Mrs. Sara Harkin, a Philadelphian, sure recalls some memories that I had long forgotten. She must be eating some certain foods that awaken your brain power. In her note, she details a number of old Philly locations throughout the area that will refresh many of our readers. For instance:
The Area at 46th & Market Streets was the home of many of those who enjoy ice skating and other sporting events. The Chevaus and Adelphia Roller Skating rinks were great for good times, and a visit to The Hot Shoppes was always a MUST afterward!
Then there was The Belmont Theatre at 52nd & Market Streets, where they featured all-day matinees for free if you had a slip of paper from the previous Saturday. That and a nickel could admit you in the Shirley Temple contests for look-alikes.
Sara also recalls the Horn & Hardart automats, where many of the kids in the area would use slugs to buy food from the small windows which features everything from soup to nuts until the management got wise to the shenanigans.
How many recall the Family Drive-in at Clifton Heights, which has now been replaced by a K-Mart?
The classic recording of “Bluebird of Happiness” sung by Jan Peerce was always played at midnight on Saturdays on Joe McCauley’s all-night show on station WIP, long before talk shows came along. And how about shopping downtown? You would always wear a dress, heels and gloves.
Atlantic City was quite different from the old days. We always were dressed to the nines. Our ensemble for Boardwalk walking was dresses, heels and gloves, and don’t forget those covers for your heels, so that you would not get caught between the openings in the boards.
For other fun locations, there were Woodside and Willow Grove Parks and Crystal and Boulevard Pools.
Finally, the ice-man would deliver his wares two or three times weekly for our old, oak ice-boxes. If you didn’t empty the drip-pan underneath often, the overflow would flood the kitchen. Another fine mess for the mop!
*
Leave it to Barbara Daniels of Secane, PA, to come up with another unique look at the world around us. This edition, she tackles those shady figures on the silver screens of America who we’ve grown to love and hate — those mad movie monsters!
When we were kids, we would shake in our boots when we were told “The Boogie Man” will get you. Probably our first encounter with movie monsters was in 1931 when the traveling terror from Transylvania, “Count Dracula,” portrayed by Bela Lugosi first appeared. His favorite drink of choice happened to be human blood!
Also, that same year, we met “The Monster,” created by the mad scientist, “Dr. Von Frankenstein.” The monster was a big, likeable fellow who just wanted to find a bride. He roamed around the Bavarian countryside, looking for friends.
The next chiller was provided by “The Wolfman,” portrayed by Lon Chaney Jr., whose favorite romping time was when the full moon would appear, thus enabling him to devour human flesh after he had been bitten by a fellow-werewolf .
And who could ever forget our pal, “King Kong,” that playful ape from 1933? He was a huge 50-foot gorilla who just wanted to be left alone on Skull Island and be worshipped by the native.
In 1935, we met “The Mummy,” played by Boris Karloff. He was an ancient Egyptian bodyguard at the tomb of the princess he loved. Centuries later, the tomb was discovered and opened by archaeologists killed by the Mummy after he was brought to life, shuffling after them, wrapped in his rotted gauze bandages.
Probably, the scariest creature at the time in 1951, was “The Thing,” portrayed by James Arness, later appearing as the lead character on “Gunsmoke.” The audience was shocked beyond belief when we witnessed him being destroyed by electricity.
In 1951, from the cult classic film, “The Day The Earth Stood Still,” we met “Gort,” the huge robot figure, who came to earth in a flying saucer. He was accompanied by Michael Rennie, the actor who uttered the catchy phrase; “Gort-Klaatu-Bora Da- Niktoo.” Real frightening stuff!
First swimming to the surface in 1954 was “The Creature from the Black Lagoon.” He was a Gilled Upright Beast who was thought to be “The Missing Link,” between Fish and Man. He enjoyed snacking on and devouring pretty maidens.
Another unforgettable scene was from the 1960 film “Psycho,” when we witnessed the bloody stabbing of poor Janet Leigh in the bathroom shower scene, prompting many of us to swear off showers for life.
Then in 1958, we met “The Blob,” a huge pulsating mass of jelly that grew over 50 feet after devouring a number of screaming villagers. Actor Steve McQueen played the teenager who finally destroyed “The Blob,” with fire extinguishers containing cold Carbon Dioxide Gas, which frosted it into oblivion.
Japanese film makers also came up with a motley crew of dragon-like creatures, including the infamous “Godzilla,” followed by “Gorgo,” “Ghidrah,” and “Mothra,” who all created havoc destroying cities by the dozens.
Through the years, these great monsters all led up to the ultimate “Scare-You-Out-Of-Your Wits” beast when in 1975, we were thrust into the mouth of the great white shark, of course, “Jaws,” who to this very day, sends chills up and down our spines!
*
Jules Schaeffer of Holland, PA, recalls attending the movies as a youngster. Before the feature presentation, he remembered that several short subjects were shown including The March of Time, narrated by Westbrook Van Vorhees, John Nesbitt’s Passing Parade, The Pathe News of the Day introduced by a crowing rooster and Movietone News with Lowell Thomas and comic Lew Leher wearing a strange hat saying, “Monkeys is the cwaziest people!”
Then there was at least one cartoon and sometimes a Robert Benchley humorous short. Can you imagine, all this for a thin dime?
*
Upper Southampton’s Arnold Smith, an avid radio listener, always tuned in to Joe McCauley’s Night Patrol Show on WIP-AM, during the early 1940s and could not wait until midnight, when, without fail McCauley would play Jan Peerce’s moving recording of “The Bluebird of Happiness.” I was fortunate to find that 78 rpm record in my collection and obliged him with a tape of the song. It goes without saying, that he was absolutely delighted.
*
Walt Disney fan Caren Day of the Penn Care Medical Center, had always been enthralled with Disney’s early cartoons. In 1937, Walt produced his first full-length feature, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and she has a problem remembering the dwarfs’ names. Here goes, Caren, jot this down for future reference — Dopey, Sleepy, Sneezy, Doc, Happy, Grumpy and Bashful. Dopey was the bald-headed one without a beard.
*
Looking Back appears each month. Do you have a memory you’d like to share? Drop a line to: Jack Lebo, Looking Back, 37 Locust Lane, Levittown, PA 19054, or call (215) 943-8870, email: jacklebo@verizon.net.
