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Eagle Feathers #245 – Washington’s Offering
By Bob (Monty) Doherty
It was originally called The Badge of Military Merit. It was a decoration consisting of a purple, heart-shaped piece of cloth edged with a narrow binding of silk or lace. The word “merit” was stitched across its face. These badges were created in 1782 near the end of the Revolutionary War by General George Washington. They were to identify singularly meritorious action in his army by the lower ranks of Sergeant and below.
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The annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day reminds us of the importance of tolerance and embracing diversity in this modern age, just as it was in the days when Dr. King walked among us.
The civil rights movement of the 60s may seem like a distant and detached part of American history for some, perhaps as remote as the civil war itself in the minds of the young who did not live in that time. And yet, there was never a time in our history when the principles involved in that struggle were more relevant and meaningful than today, and even more so as we step forward into the future.
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Arrests:
Melih Ciftci, January 12, 5:28 p.m., arrested at Bow St. on a charge of disorderly conduct.
Alex Diaz, January 13, 11:18 p.m., arrested at Broadway on warrant charges of alcohol from open container, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, and operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation today announced it has awarded the first grants through its new Racial Justice in Health program that will support grassroots nonprofit community organizations led by people of color. These grants were part of the Foundation’s overall grantmaking activity in 2021 that totaled nearly $4 million and continued philanthropic support for dozens of statewide initiatives involving behavioral health and health care access.
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The Somerville Arts Space Risk Assessment analyzes the impact of development pressure on arts organizations across the city and makes recommendations for how to protect art spaces and support the creative economy. Join us on January 19 to learn more about our Somerville Arts Space Risk Assessment work. Hear about policy recommendations to support Somerville arts spaces. Please spread the word and invite colleagues and fellow artists. Register now for the meeting: https://bit.ly/somerville-art-space
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Today as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it’s important to remember that reflecting on his legacy and quoting his powerful words is not enough.
Members of the King family have asked that rather than celebrate MLK Day we take inspiration from Dr. King and put in the work to build a more just, equitable society. In particular, they have asked Americans to stand up for voting rights. In a statement, Martin Luther King III said, “MLK Day has always been a day on, not off. When we call for ‘no celebration without legislation,’ we’re not urging Americans not to honor this day – we’re asking people to honor Dr. King through action to protect the right to vote.”
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Help local pets and shop for your Valentine
Kitty Connection, an all-volunteer non-profit dedicated to rescuing and finding safe, loving homes for local cats and dogs, will hold an Online Silent Auction from 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 28 through 9:00 p.m., Sunday, January 30 at www.myminiauction.com/kittyconnection.
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Lloyd Schwartz dropped by my humble abode to discuss his new project with the Cervena Barva Press, an anthology of poetry by Somerville High School students. Schwartz also discussed the new Ibbetson Street 50, his introduction to poetry in his early years, and read a new poem of his “Lucifer’s Labyrinth”
Click here to listen to the full interview.
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