November is a month for remembering our Veterans and troops. Thank you for serving with honor and dedication. There are still many ways for us to show our gratitude to our Veteran men and women. Consider donating to a Veterans’ organization (like the HPVA); write to someone in the military by sending a simple postcard or e-card; fly a flag; or just ask a Veteran how they’re doing. All are simple ways to demonstrate your thanks for their service.
John F Kennedy said it best: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Let’s keep that in mind.
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On May 8, 1945, World War II in Europe came to an end. As the news of Germany’s surrender reached the rest of the world, joyous crowds gathered to celebrate in the streets, clutching newspapers that declared Victory in Europe (V-E Day). Later that year, US President Harry S. Truman announced Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. The news spread quickly and celebrations erupted across the United States. On September 2, 1945, formal surrender documents were signed aboard the USS Missouri, designating the day as the official Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day). In recognition of all of the Veterans who served in WWII, please see my article Nine World War II Facts Every History Buff Should Know on page 32.
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Elections are held this month, so it’s only fitting I share a little election trivia with you. Please see my article The Most Bizarre Elections in U.S. History on page 42.
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By now you may have reviewed the 2025 Member Survey which was posted on our website in September. There are 255 pages of member comments listed at the end of the survey results. Some of these comments reflect misunderstandings or misconceptions of HP in several areas. I’ve attempted to address those comments which are largely related to Communications. Please see my article Member Survey Misconceptions Addressed on page 20.
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Cleaning out your closet? The Gateway Women’s Club is hosting a Shoe Drive now through November 7, and we invite you to join in supporting this great cause. We are collecting new or gently used shoes of all sizes. They can be men’s, women’s, kids’, tennis shoes, sandals, crocs, boots, etc. You can drop them off in the dedicated box in the Activity Center Lobby. Every pair donated helps make a difference for someone in need.
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I believe most of you read this issue in the magazine format on-line. If you choose to download it to your computer as a PDF (Adobe) for viewing, it’s easy to do. When BTP is first opened, scroll down to the bottom of page 1. When there, simply click the downward arrow icon (see sample #3 below) to download the magazine as a PDF on your laptop, iPad, or cell phone. For viewing purposes, on the right-hand side of the PDF page, click the display icon and choose “Two-page view” and “Show cover page.” It will appear just like the on-line magazine version! If you download the issue, you can print any page you like, and also store any current or prior issue on your laptop. It’s easy-peasy!
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Should you have an article to submit for the December issue, my deadline is November 4. Post Cards are always welcome! Please email to [email protected].
