“The History of Veterans Day and What it Means to Me” — Patrick Hall is the current President of the Pacifica Club, he is also Past President of that club, 2004. Patrick was an Air Force pilot during the Viet Nam war and is an attorney.
In 1919 Armistice Day was established the 11th hour on the 11th day in the 11th month, it was a State and Federal holiday. It was changed to Veterans Day in 1954. In 1968 it was changed to the 4th Monday in November. President Ford changed it back to November 11. France, Britain and Canada have similar holidays.
Regarding the significance of the red poppies, The Flower of Remembrance: “In Flanders Fields” was the poem written by World War I Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon with Canada's First Brigade Artillery. It expressed McCrae's grief over the "row on row" of graves of soldiers who had died on Flanders' battlefields, located in a region of western Belgium and northern France. The poem presented a striking image of the bright red flowers blooming among the rows of white crosses and became a rallying cry to all who fought in the First World War.
Patrick graduated from Santa Clara where ROTC was mandatory. Upon graduation, he volunteered for the Air Force and went in as a Second Lieutenant in 1969. Prior to joining up, he had an epiphany while at a concert—realizing that his friend was engaged in battle at that time. As a result, he volunteered for pilot training, a one year course which included a four commitment. He considered making a career out of the military and remained in for six years. He flew refueling planes and did three 90 day tours in Southeast Asia. He also flew DC3s to carry intel officers for a year in Viet Nam. He met his wife, Marilyn, when he got back—she is from Belgium. Patrick is proud that our country reconciles with former enemies.
Patrick’s Rotary story starts in 1995 when Marilyn was finishing her first year as President of the Pacifica Club. They attended the Rotary International Convention in Nice, France. Marilyn, who speaks French, was thanked by a woman on the street for our Veterans’ help during WWII. The Halls have hosted exchange students from Albania and Germany as well as Muslim students. On a trip to Germany for a Rotary conference, they were able to visit with the family of one of their exchange students.
Final thought—perhaps we should change the name back to Armistice Day to focus on peace. Patrick appreciates that peace is a priority for Rotary.
Q and A
Why did you leave the Air Force? - He couldn’t get past the rules, like the length of one’s mustache. He and a fellow officer had to do an emergency landing at another base, they couldn’t make it to their own base due to a mechanical problem. While checking in with he base commander, the other officer got a lecture about his mustache. The nonsense was off-putting. Also, while airborne, there’s nothing to do. It’s like driving a bus.
Did you fly off carriers? - No, that’s for Navy pilots. Apparently Navy Pilots and Air Force pilots have a rivalry about who has the most difficult land challenge. Ships face into a headwind leaving the pilot with no crosswinds to contend with. On land, there’s 10,000 feet of runway.
Where were you stationed? - On the coast during 1971-72, then he was stationed in Da Nang. Da Nang was interesting, the weather and conditions were difficult. He was flying above the fray doing intelligence work, one of the safest jobs in the war.
Patrick was warmly thanked for his service and for sharing his experience with us. He was given a certificate acknowledging our donation to Polio Plus in his name. He headed off to a dedication for a memorial to Pacificans who served in Viet Nam.
John wanted to acknowledge Past President Greg Miller. Greg served in Viet Nam at the same time as John. Greg was a gunner in a helicopter. Agent Orange eventually killed him. Greg connected us with the IDES. RIP Greg. John served here in California as part of the war effort. Greg and John and their families were very close friends.
Warren apologized for being late. Warren was scheduled to provide our inspiration today. He consulted Irwin, and Irwin had his brother-in-law, Joel Wolfberg, call with a Veterans Day quote. Joel said he was proud to serve. He did go back to Vietnam to do service projects. That was the best healing for him. Joel is also dealing with the effects of Agent Orange.
ALAS needs volunteers and donations for their Thanksgiving Dinner event. Rose will send us an email with the details.
Mary reminded us that next week is our delivery week for Coastside Hope, she could use some help.
Dianne announced that the Foundation Investment Committee will meet next Tuesday to review our investments. A year end report will be prepared to be included with President Joe’s annual report.
Mary announced that the Past Presidents will meet Tuesday evening to select the next President, after Krystlyn, email to follow with log in instructions.
The December 16 Christmas meeting and District Governor visit will be at the Oddfellows Hall.
Marble Draw - Ed won the marble draw; alas he pulled a green one.