0 registered members (),
204
guests, and 3
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums21
Topics42,478
Posts1,061,642
Members10,349
|
Most Online1,100 Jun 10th, 2024
|
|
|
What have you witnessed?
#611847
08/21/11 12:36 AM
08/21/11 12:36 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,399 Top o' the World
Fame
OP
Underboss
|
OP
Underboss
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,399
Top o' the World
|
Which memorable events in history you've witnessed, either directly or through media?
Since I'm a freak of nostalgia, I think this thread has the potential of producing some fine, fine stories...especially from the oldest & wisest among us.
For example, those of you who lived through the 60's -- I'd love to hear your personal recollection of the Moon Landing or JFK assasination, etc. Everytime you hear it from a different person, it's like a new story altogether. But don't be shy to speak of the 90's as well, if that's as far as you can go. Any story would be a great addition to this thread.
I know there are too many events to list or talk about, but just talk about the ones that truly made an impact on you.
"Come out and take it, you dirty, yellow-bellied rat, or I'll give it to you through the door!"
- James Cagney in "Taxi!" (1932)
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: olivant]
#611883
08/21/11 12:33 PM
08/21/11 12:33 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984 California
The Italian Stallionette
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
|
Randomly and in no order of importance: I remember the moon landing and closely watching on tv. What a chill that was when Neil Armstrong uttered the famous words. I remember the Viet Nam war era when they had the draft lottery which would depend on your birth date. Everyone knew someone who was in Nam. My husband (ex now) was Nam for a year. There were protest, sit-ins,riots, burning of draft cards. What turmoil. JFK/RFK,MLK what can I say? Looking back now I think "wow", that WAS an unbelievably horrible time in our history. Then of course 911, who would have EVER thought that possible. The music IMHO was awesome though (i.e. Woodstock), although we sadly lost, and in many cases unnecessarily (on their parts) many of our rock stars to drugs. TIS
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: The Italian Stallionette]
#611886
08/21/11 12:50 PM
08/21/11 12:50 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,024 Texas
olivant
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,024
Texas
|
Randomly and in no order of importance: I remember the moon landing and closely watching on tv. What a chill that was when Neil Armstrong uttered the famous words. I remember the Viet Nam war era when they had the draft lottery which would depend on your birth date. Everyone knew someone who was in Nam. My husband (ex now) was Nam for a year. There were protest, sit-ins,riots, burning of draft cards. What turmoil. JFK/RFK,MLK what can I say? Looking back now I think "wow", that WAS an unbelievably horrible time in our history. Then of course 911, who would have EVER thought that possible. The music IMHO was awesome though (i.e. Woodstock), although we sadly lost, and in many cases unnecessarily (on their parts) many of our rock stars to drugs. TIS TIS, I forgot the moon landing. Where in Vietnam was your husband? I was in I Corps west of Hue.
"Generosity. That was my first mistake." "Experience must be our only guide; reason may mislead us." "Instagram is Twitter for people who can't read."
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: olivant]
#611887
08/21/11 12:53 PM
08/21/11 12:53 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984 California
The Italian Stallionette
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
|
Oli, We had met just months after he got out of VN. Now, I don't know the spelling of these cities and may be a tad off so keep that in mind, BUT it was either Bin Lo or Lo Bin (something like that anyway). TIS EDIT: Let me add as far as VN, he was SO sure he'd be drafted that he volunteered draft literally to get it over with and avoid sitting on needles & pins. So he went in at 18 and was out about 2 years later.
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 08/21/11 12:55 PM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: The Italian Stallionette]
#611888
08/21/11 01:02 PM
08/21/11 01:02 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,024 Texas
olivant
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,024
Texas
|
Oli, We had met just months after he got out of VN. Now, I don't know the spelling of these cities and may be a tad off so keep that in mind, BUT it was either Bin Lo or Lo Bin (something like that anyway). TIS EDIT: Let me add as far as VN, he was SO sure he'd be drafted that he volunteered draft literally to get it over with and avoid sitting on needles & pins. So he went in at 18 and was out about 2 years later. he sounds alot like me. At 18 I volunteered, but that was '65. After I got hurt I was out in about 14 months. What branch or unit was he in? That town, I don't recognize hte name. Maybe it was south of where I was.
"Generosity. That was my first mistake." "Experience must be our only guide; reason may mislead us." "Instagram is Twitter for people who can't read."
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: olivant]
#611890
08/21/11 01:08 PM
08/21/11 01:08 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984 California
The Italian Stallionette
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
|
Oli, I did a city check and it "could" be "Bien Hoa" It's been a lot of years and all I know it's Bin/Bien something. He was in the Army. The other part of his service was in Greece which he really liked. He enlisted in 68 I believe and got out in 70. TIS
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: The Italian Stallionette]
#611892
08/21/11 01:29 PM
08/21/11 01:29 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984 California
The Italian Stallionette
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
|
I remember the riots of 67. I lived in Michigan at the time and was camping at Lake Michigan with some friends (away from everything). I didn't know til I called home and found out what was going on. People were getting pulled from their cars and beaten, buildings on fire, riots. Now I lived in Grand Rapids at the time, but Detroit had it much worse if I remember correctly. It was pretty unbelievable. My father owned a dry cleaners right in the area where a lot of the activity was and was fearful his business would be set ablaze. I remember begging him not to go to work the next day (or until this was over). Fortunately, he was spared any loss. It was a scary time. TIS
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: Fame]
#611904
08/21/11 02:42 PM
08/21/11 02:42 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300 New York
Sicilian Babe
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
|
Some of the more memorable events that I remember:
1. The Beatles on Ed Sullivan (although not their first appearance) 2. The moon landing 3. The end of the war in Viet Nam 4. Watergate, and the subsequent resignations of Agnew and Nixon. 5. The deaths of Popes John Paul I and II. 6. The shooting of President Reagan. 7. The space shuttle explosions. I had had some minor surgery in 1986 and was home recuperating, so I tuned into the launch. I remember seeing that unusual smoke trail, and the expressions on the faces of the spectators. They even showed the family members of the astronauts. It was terribly sad. 8. For some reason, the deaths of Princess Diana and JFK, Jr. are inextricably joined in my head. I remember staring in disbelief at the TV when John-John's plane went down and they were searching for the wreckage. Nobody believed that they were lost. 9. Of course, September 11th, staring out our conference room window at the smoke of the ruins and thinking of the thousands that must have been in the Towers when they fell. 10. I remember crying when I heard that Elizabeth Smart had been found, I was so happy for her parents. As a parent, it was so frightening to think of someone coming into your house and taking your child while you slept nearby.
President Emeritus of the Neal Pulcawer Fan Club
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: Fame]
#611982
08/21/11 10:36 PM
08/21/11 10:36 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,399 Top o' the World
Fame
OP
Underboss
|
OP
Underboss
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,399
Top o' the World
|
Seems like most stories listed here deal with tragedies, certain deaths and assassinations, wars and terror attacks, kidnapping etc. Well, that's history. But hey, we still have sport events to remember as well So...anyone cares to remember that recent royal wedding? I was told it's an historical event and I must watch and witness like everyone, but I admit I couldn't take it after 20 minutes of seeing them waving hello. Maybe if I was into clothes and fashion I would've been more into it.
"Come out and take it, you dirty, yellow-bellied rat, or I'll give it to you through the door!"
- James Cagney in "Taxi!" (1932)
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: SC]
#612023
08/22/11 12:09 PM
08/22/11 12:09 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984 California
The Italian Stallionette
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
|
[quote=SC] Even still, I think the assassination of John Kennedy was the news event that had the single biggest effect on me. I was 12 years old then and just at the age when world events were making a difference to me. We (the U.S.) was at the height of the Cold War with Russia, the only other SUPER world power at the time. We had forced them to back down in the Cuban missile crisis the year before and I gave credit to JFK for that. I believed him when he told us that we were a great country and I admired him. Seeing him cut down in such a horrible manner marked the end of the innocence of my youth and brought on the tumult of the '60s.
SC
I think for "our" generation that ONE event (JFK Assassination) is imbedded in all our memories for life. I know I will NEVER forget it. Without rehashing any "conspiracy" or the why/how of it, I can't quite put my finger on it, but I agree that this marked an "innocence" lost for our country. It was simply unheard of that this type of horror could happen in the U.S. We learned (sadly) that it could. Then looking back at RFK, and MLK, what a horribly violent period it was. TIS
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: The Italian Stallionette]
#612036
08/22/11 01:23 PM
08/22/11 01:23 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,296 Throggs Neck
pizzaboy
The Fuckin Doctor
|
The Fuckin Doctor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,296
Throggs Neck
|
I was only four years old when JFK was killed. It's barely a memory. So for me it's 9/11. Hands down.
I was on my way from the Bronx to IJ Morris funeral home on Flatbush Avenue in Marine Park, Brooklyn. A lot of people may not realize this, but the bridges and tunnels weren't closed until after the second tower was hit.
When I was pulling out of my garage, I'd heard on AM radio that a plane hit the Trade Center, so I figured that it was a single engine puddle jumper or something like that. When I got to the EZ Pass lane at the Whitestone Bridge, I saw all the smoke coming from the first tower. That's when I knew it wasn't a prop plane. Too much damage. I was about halfway across the bridge when I looked to my right and saw, with my own eyes, the second plane hit tower two and explode into a fireball. It was the most surrealistic and frightening thing I've ever seen in my life.
At that point, having known that we were under attack, I still had to deal with the idea of being adjacent to LaGuardia and halfway to Kennedy airport. I was a wreck thinking that a plane would explode right on top of me. I finally made it to Brooklyn and stayed there until the bridges re-opened (around 5 or 6 o'cock that night).
"I got news for you. If it wasn't for the toilet, there would be no books." --- George Costanza.
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: olivant]
#612047
08/22/11 02:39 PM
08/22/11 02:39 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,540 AZ
Turnbull
|
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,540
AZ
|
I'm old (and my skin is cold) ;)so my memories go way back: --As a little little kid, I saw my Mom and the other women in our apartment building crying. When I asked why, she said "President Roosevent died." (Frankin, not Teddy). --The Shot Heard Round the World ('51). We were Giants fans in Brooklyn--dangerous thing to be. My uncle gave me his Giants pennant and told me to ride around the neighborhood waving it. Nearly got killed... --Sputnik ('57), when I and other kids thought the Russkies were going to drop nuclear warheads on us. --Cheering on JFK as he campaigned on Park Avenue South in NY. He waved to me. --Cuban Missile Crisis: Was riding a subway car in evening rush hour. While stopped at a station, heard sirens above ground. Everyone on the car looked at each other and shuddered. --JFK assassination: I was working for the Wall Street Journal at that time, and we saw the news coming in over our wire service printers. An old-timer standing next to me muttered, "People are lousy." Lots more...
Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu, E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu... E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: Turnbull]
#612048
08/22/11 02:56 PM
08/22/11 02:56 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984 California
The Italian Stallionette
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
|
TB? Roosevelt??? Wow, someone older than me. Truman was Pres when I was born but the first President I remember is Eisenhower and that's pretty vague. Also TB, you were a great age at a GREAT time to have experienced the birth of Rock & Roll. Now, I'm not saying I wasn't around, but I was only 8 when Elvis hit the scene and didn't appreciate the full impact by going to concerts and R&R shows and such. I would love to have been in the middle of all the excitement not to mention controversy as a "teenager/adult". TIS
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 08/22/11 03:28 PM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: SC]
#612068
08/22/11 08:42 PM
08/22/11 08:42 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,540 AZ
Turnbull
|
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,540
AZ
|
--As a little little kid, I saw my Mom and the other women in our apartment building crying. When I asked why, she said "President Roosevent died." (Frankin, not Teddy). You remember that???? SC, I'm at an age when I can go to the refrigerator for something and stand there with the door open, trying to remember what I was supposed to get. But I remember all sorts of trivial and nontrivial things from way, way back. TIS, I remember Elvis's first appearance of "The Tommy Dorsey Show," and thinking that he must be a drug addict, but I liked him. But, even before that, I saw Bo Diddley on the Ed Sullivan Show. And I attended every Alan Freed R&R show at the Brooklyn Paramount from '56 through '61. Saw 'em all: Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, the Harptones, the Moonglows, the Flamingos--you name 'em, I saw 'em.
Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu, E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu... E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: Turnbull]
#612077
08/22/11 10:01 PM
08/22/11 10:01 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,766 South of the Pinelands
MaryCas
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,766
South of the Pinelands
|
As someone older than SC and younger than TIS; I share many of their memories. I was in 9th grade history class when the gym teacher - a muscular, virile man - came into our classroom to tells us that the President had been shot; he was crying.
I remember four students being killed at Kent State U. by National Guardsmen. I had been working for NY Telephone at the time, 2 months after dropping out of college. A co-worker said, "they should have shot more of them". I remember my foreman commenting to me, "how come you never say n****r?" And sadly I remember all the race riots of the 60s; Harlem and Detroit.
Then there are sports; the football Giants losing to the Colts in 1958; Reggie Jackson hitting 3 homeruns in the World Series and the 1980 Olympics USA hockey team winning the Gold.
But of course on top of the list is 9/11. I was standing on Washingtion St, south of Rector St and witnessed both towers burning. I saw Tower 2 begin to fall and I ran to escape a massive building crumbling to the ground. I can replay the entire day; escaping "the cloud", walking 6 miles, sitting at a bar in midtown Manhattan drinking a vodka gimlet, fighting back the tears while the days events played on the TV; Arriving home at 9pm into the arms of my wife and daughter; the days and weeks that followed; being part of city that had to transform and adapt; the ever-present reminders of that day.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, whoever humbles himself will be exalted - Matthew 23:12
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: Turnbull]
#612081
08/22/11 10:13 PM
08/22/11 10:13 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 22,902 New York
SC
Consigliere
|
Consigliere
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 22,902
New York
|
SC, I'm at an age when I can go to the refrigerator for something and stand there with the door open, trying to remember what I was supposed to get. But I remember all sorts of trivial and nontrivial things from way, way back. Tb, it isn't the number of years that have passed since your memory that is amazing me, but rather your age when the event happened (that astounds me you remember it).
.
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: kjk]
#612115
08/23/11 10:51 AM
08/23/11 10:51 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984 California
The Italian Stallionette
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
|
How could I NOT mention the Beatles aka British Invasion? I was too young to get the full impact of Elvis, but was the perfect age for the "Moptops" or "Fab Four". The day after their Ed Sullivan performance the school was absolutely a-buzz. That is all you heard thru the hallways...:did you see Ed Sullivan...Did you see the Beatles. Girls were already choosing the cutest. There were Beatle boots, Beatle hats, Beatle lipstick. The top forty charts were shortly after dominated by mostly English artists. Everybody loved England and everybody wanted to be English. I went to see Hard Day's Night with a friend and man, we waited and waited and waited in a huge line. Once we got in the movie and from the time they showed the Beatles, all we heard was screaming throughout the entire theater. They showed Paul's shoe and girls screamed Fun memories though. I am so happy I was a part of that excitement and glad I saw this great group evolve into the legends that they have become. TIS
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 08/23/11 11:10 AM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
|
|
|
Re: What have you witnessed?
[Re: olivant]
#612120
08/23/11 11:20 AM
08/23/11 11:20 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984 California
The Italian Stallionette
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
|
TIS, the British Invasion is part of that 60s decade I cited earlier. I'd forgotten about it. That was phenomenal. 'Till then I had no idea that the British were musicians at all. It was an incredible time wasn't it? There hadn't been that kind of excitement since Elvis. Speaking of the Elvis era, I remember my older brother going to see "Rock Around The Clock". He tells of how everyone was getting out of their seats and dancing in the aisles. That was the first of that kind of excitement I think. I just imagine how "new" the whole thing was back then and how many said it wouldn't last. LOL TIS
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 08/23/11 11:21 AM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
|
|
|
|