"2019"

“2019”

The just-completed year saw many significant events (e.g. natural disasters, terror attacks and economic matters). Some had far-reaching impact while others were little noticed except by families and groups involved. Join me in a little reminiscing.

2019 marked the 100^th Anniversary of many notable events including:

-Ratification of the 18^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution establishing Prohibition (it was repealed by the 21^st Amendment in 1933)

-Congressional approval of the 19^th Amendment providing for Women’s Suffrage (it took effect in 1920)

-The Treaty of Versailles formally ended World War I (it was never ratified by the U.S. Senate)

-Jackie Robinson, Major League Baseball’s first African-American player, was born in Cairo, GA

-Babe Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees by the Boston Red Sox for $125,000

-Acadia National Park in Maine and Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona were formed.

-Oregon was the first state to tax gasoline (at a penny a gallon)

And it also saw the 50^th year observances of:

-The Apollo 11 landing and man’s first walk on the moon

-The Woodstock Festival Rock Concert in upstate New York

-The “Miracle Mets’” defeat of the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series

-The incorporation of Wal-Mart

-Dave Thomas’ opening of the first Wendy’s in Columbus OH

-Boeing’s introduction of its 747 jumbo jet (it entered service with Pan Am the next year)

-The appearance of the first ATM in Rockville Center NY

Our family’s two biggest events were:

-Karen and my 50^th Anniversary on November 29. We celebrated with a Caribbean cruise accompanied by my brother Dave and his wife Jean who marked Gold on June 28

-Our grandson Nate’s wedding to Noel on December 21 at which I was privileged to officiate

As we’ve entered 2020 we realize how fast time marches on, especially as we get older. So let’s remember David’s words: “My times are in (God’s) hands….” (Psalm 31:15) and Moses’ prayer: “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NLT).

May we prosper as we walk in God’s ways this year and always.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan