Saturday 9: Soldier

Saturday 9: Soldier (2016)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors men and women who served and died in the United States Armed Forces. We want to make sure that message is not lost this weekend.

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? We are grateful and want to hear about it.

A. I had family members who served. I know of the children of friends who are active in the military.

2) This song is about the courage it takes for soldiers to march into battle. Gen. Patton said, "The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers." He was emphasizing that each individual's dedication is essential to the unit's success. Do you work well as part of a team? Or are you better on your own?

A. I do better on my own.

 

3) As of 2025, California is the state with the most military bases. Have you ever visited or lived on a base? 

A. We visited a military base near Virginia Beach several years ago. Mostly, we wanted to see an historic lighthouse that is located on the base. I found it kind of scary because they searched the car and checked ID.

 

4) At the turn of the of the 20th century, wristwatches were considered non-essential jewelry items, with pocket watches preferred for everyday timekeeping. During WWI, soldiers in the trenches needed to both synchronize actions across the battlefield and keep their hands on their weapons, so the wristwatch went from "fashion item" to "standard issue." Do you often wear a watch, or do you depend on your phone for the time?

A. I always wear a watch. I have for as long as I can remember. My first watch was an Alice in Wonderland watch.

 

5) Jeeps were originated by the US Army during WWII. Back then they were specifically for soldiers deployed to the European Theater, today there are more than 18 million Jeep-branded vehicles on the road all over the world. Have you ever driven a Jeep?

A. I have driven a Jeep. When I was about 12, my father brought home an old Jeep for me to drive up and down our very long driveway so I could catch the bus.

 

6) While Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses are a timeless symbol of cool, they were designed during WWII for a specific purpose: to give American flyers relief from glare at high altitudes. Tell us about your sunglasses.

A. I use the pull-over sunglasses that fit over my own glasses. They do not look cool and probably look stupid, but I don't care.

 

7) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food? 

A. Watermelon.

8) This marks the weekend when Americans traditionally step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the cold winter months. For example, when is the last time you worked in the garden or tended the lawn?

A. I pulled weeds recently.

9) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on?

A. The air conditioner is on.

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