The "Jeopardy Answer Led To Astonishing Story" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Watching two of my favorite TV Quiz Shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. I know that Wheel of Fortune is seen all over the world, but not sure if Jeopardy has the coverage that is given to it's sister program.  Many may not know that at the end of the quiz show Jeopardy, a final answer is given to which the three contestants must think of the question that could be asked to yield the final answer.  As the show was coming to a conclusion, I watched and listened to see how many of the three contestants had the correct question to "Final Jeopardy".  In this case the final answer was...How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  For those not knowing what the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier may be, it is a monument in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, USA that holds the remains of those who died fighting for the USA without ever being identified.  The U.S. Unknowns who are interred here hold the award of the Medal of Honor, the Victoria Cross and several other foreign nations' highest service awards.  Well, all three contestants missed it and Alex Trebek, the host gave the final question of "What is 21".  The 21 also refers to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.  But that doesn't begin to tell the tale of those who guard the tomb.  

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia, USA

The soldier guarding the tomb also takes 21 seconds to hesitate after his about face after crossing in front of the tomb and heading back across once again.  He carries his rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb and moves the rifle to the other shoulder as he executes the about face.  The guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year.  Now, I kind of knew most of that information, but as I read on I learned more about the guards that I found remarkable.  To be a guard the person must be between 5' 10" tall with a waist size no larger than 30".  They must commit 2 years of their life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives.  They are not allowed to swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.  After two years the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb.  

The tomb has been guarded every minute of every day since 1930.

If they disobey any of the rules, they must return the pin.  There are currently 400 who wear the pin.  A few interesting facts about the uniform they wear are: (1) The shoes are made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet, (2) There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt, (3) The uniform may have no wrinkles, folds or lint on it. (4) The guards dress in front of a full-length mirror and must spend five hours a day getting the uniform ready for guard duty.  Another rule of being a guard is the first half-year a guard cannot talk to anyone or watch TV.  All off-duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery and the guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred in the cemetery.  One thing I read was that in 2003, during Hurricane Isabelle, and with TV stations broadcasting the danger of the hurricane, the guards never missed a beat.  The tomb has been patrolled every minute of every day since 1930.  I only hope those interred in the tomb appreciate the service these unique individuals give to their country.  One thing I couldn't find was whether all guards are males.  I'm not sure that any of the rules would keep a female from being a guard, but I might be missing something.  I'd like to believe that any one of my grandchildren, male or female, could one day become a guard at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "The Magnificent Clydesdales Of Budweiser" Story

The Clydesdale to the left is having his legs combed while
the one to the right is having his tack put in place.

It was an ordinary day.  Standing next to over 2,000 pounds of magnificent animal behind Lancaster's Clipper Magazine Baseball Stadium.  He has just been fitted with his tack which weighs over 130 pounds.  The tack, or harness, is handcrafted with solid brass, patent leather, and stitched with pure linen thread.  It is made especially to fit any Clydesdale; however, collars come in various sizes and must be individually fitted to the Clydesdales like a finely tailored suit.  

One of three trucks carrying the world famous Budweiser
Clydesdales and the easily recognizable beer wagon.

The tack for each horse can cost as much as $10,000 to $12,000; perhaps much more than a finely tailored suit.  I read in the newspaper a few days ago that the famous Budweiser Clydesdales were going to appear at The Clip over the weekend.  Knew immediately that Carol and I would be in attendance since she owned a horse while growing up and just loved viewing the steeds of Budweiser.  We arrived just as the famous red tractor trailers began to open on the south side of the ballpark.  

A 2,000 pound Clydesdale is led from his stall in
the trailer to prepare for the eight-horse team.

Place was already crowded in the front awaiting the team of horses.  We parked and I told Carol we may be able to watch the horses being hitched to the beer wagon if we walk around to the south side of the ballpark.  Sure enough, we rounded the stadium and there was a big crowd lining one side of the driveway, waiting for the horsed to exit the trailers.  Clydesdales originated in the early 19th century when farmers who lived along the banks of the River Clyde in Lanarkshire, Scotland imported a few Great Flemish horses and mated them with local mares.  Thus, the Clydesdales were born.  

The Budweiser beer wagon.

In order to be a Budweiser Clydesdale a horse must stand at least 18 hands high (6 feet tall),  be a gelding (a neutered male) at least 4 years old, have a bay coat, four white stockings, a blaze of white on the face, a black mane, a black tail and weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds.  Now, I know these facts since the fellow standing in front of me with the microphone, dressed in the neat red uniform, is telling all of us who gathered in front of the trailers to get a look at the horses.  He also told us that each horse consumes 20 to 25 quarts of whole grains, minerals, vitamins, 50-60 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water each day.  

This guy is all ready to be placed in
his spot to transport the wagon.

The trailers we see in front of us are one of three traveling hitches which are based in St. Louis, MO; Fort Collins, CO; and Merrimack, NH.  Each traveling hitch consists of ten horses, the red, white and gold beer wagon and other essential pieces of equipment which are housed in three 50-foot tractor-trailors which have air cushioned suspension and thick rubber flooring.  This hitch has been traveling in the local area with nightly stops at a local stable so the horses can rest.  As we watched each horse exit their trailer we were told their names and how much they weighed.  After having their entire body brushed and the long white hair on their legs combed, the tack was placed on them and they were led to the wagon.  Their position on the wagon was based on their age, weight and training.  Wasn't long before "Barley", the wagon's Dalmatian was led from the trailer to a grassy area and then to a spot where his harness bearing the Budweiser symbol was place on him and he was lifted onto the wagon where he took his spot next to the two drivers.  

The first of eight spots has been filled with the first horse.

The fellow with the mic told us that driving the hitch required quite a bit of physical strength since the leather lines weigh 40 pounds and the tension of the 12 tons of wagon and horses creates over 75 pounds.  Rigorous training is required to be able to sit on the wagon seat and assume the prestigious role of "Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch Driver."  Well, the hitch has begun to move and I have my camera ready.  So exciting to watch these eight magnificent Clydesdales pull the shining cart with driver's and "Barley" sitting proudly on the seat.  I hope my photographs can show half the excitement I feel at the time.  Gotta go ... here they come.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Decoration on the harness can be seen in this photo.

The Budweiser logo is on everything including the horse's blinder.  

A Farrier is only a phone call away if one is needed.  The horseshoes measure 20 inches end to end and weigh about five pounds each.

This guy is ready to be part of the team.  Notice the roses that follow his mane.

The first two horses in the team of eight are now in place.

One of the trainers prepared yet another horse.

This horse is having the very heavy collar put in place.

"Barley" is preparing to ride on the wagon.

View of one of the trailers with an image of a Clydesdale on the cab. 

And ... here they come!

What a wonderful view of the hitch.

Passing by me are the first two of eight horses.

Final few horses ready to pass by.  

The proud drivers and just as proud "Barley".

What a great time we had.

The "Amish Barn Raising In Lancaster County, PA" Story

An old photo showing a barn raising in the distance.

It was an ordinary day.  Reading about the Amish Community in which I live and how they help each other in every aspect of live.  And, being that I have lived in Lancaster County my entire life, I have seen many barn raisings after disastrous fires, hurricanes and the like as well as when a new Amish family joins the community. A few times I have been a witness to what many will never see in their lifetime.  Lancaster County has a very heavy Amish population and our roads are dotted with the traditional covered buggies as well as the open-air buggies.  Barn raisings usually begin at the break of dawn and workers fill the landscape and skyscape until dark, usually finishing the project in a day.  

Another early barn raising in Lancaster County, PA.

A few days before, the foundation is laid from blocks and cement.  Barns raisings are usually led by one or two Amish "engineers" who draw the plans and make sure the materials will be on site.  Roads are filled with buggies as far as the eye can see while horses feed together in nearby fields.  The Amish number many as they crawl over the new roof, all dressed in colored shirts with black suits and straw hats.  

Like bees swarming to stock the hive.

The atmosphere is festive with the women and young girls preparing food as needed.  Most workers on the barn wear tool belts which carry a hammer and nails as they work in unison.  So, just where did all these people come from.  Seems that a fundamentalist movement began in Switzerland in 1525. This group eventually became known as "Mennonites."  

Another view of Amish building a barn.

Then, in Germany in the late 1600's a Mennonite named Jacob Amman decided to start his own religion, thus the Amish began.  They emigrated from the Palatinate region of Bavaria to southeastern Pennsylvania in 1698.  Since that time over three hundred years ago, the peace-loving Amish continue to live their religion which emphasizes self-reliance.  They reject welfare and government as well as refuse to serve in the military.  But, boy can they sure raise a barn in no time. AS I said before, I have been witness to that.  It was another extraordinary day in the live of an ordinary guy.     

The "Home Town Pride: Part I - The USA" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Sitting in the waiting room of my eye doctor, waiting until my eyes completely dilated in order for my doctor to examine me.  The room is softly lit, but bright enough that you can read the variety of magazines available in the room.  I picked up a copy of Susquehanna Life and began to leaf through it.  Stories about town after town along the Susquehanna River in southeastern Pennsylvania.  Got me thinking about all the small towns Carol and I have had the chance and honor to visit all over the globe and the pride each town has in its heritage.  Towns of all sizes are proud of their traditions, achievements and beliefs which are part of the history of their town.  Every town has stories to share with the visitors that may find their way to their town.  Some of my favorite towns in the USA which I have visited over my lifetime are:

• Still Pond, Maryland -  

  

  Doug Sassi Pottery

  Still Pond is located in Kent County and is a town that you have to keep your eyes open our you will miss it.  Some of my favorite locations in the town are a really neat old-town general store that displays photos of the town as it used to be and a small barn with a sign attached to it that reads "Pottery".  Stopped quite a few times to buy the beautiful pottery that potter Doug Sassi creates.  During our last trip to his barn we found that he has now started a touring business to Italy.
• Alexandria, Virginia -

  

  Scottish Walk Parade

  Alexandria is a town rich in history and beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century architecture. Located on the Potomac River with a view of nearby Washington, D.C.  Great restaurants line the downtown streets and create the backdrop for one of our favorite parades, the Scottish Walk Parade which is held the first week-end in December each year.  Plenty of Scottish bagpipes and Scottie dogs along with town dignitaries riding in classic cars make for a great time.  That evening we head to the river for the parade of boats along the Potomac River.  A final visit to The Torpedo Factory, an actual factory that at one time made torpedoes, the next day is a tradition to view all the artwork and crafts of the town's residents.
• State College, Pennsylvania -

  

  College Ave. and Allen Street

  Since our traveling friends, Jerry and Just Sue, have moved to State College, Carol and I have been making trips to their home to spend time with them and tour the small towns around State College.  But, State College, in Centre County, is truly a college town, dominated economically and demographically by the presence of Pennsylvania State University.  Carol and I always enjoy time with our friends and the chance to visit sections of the town, eat in one of the town's restaurants and travel along College Ave.  Truly a "Happy Valley."
• Chesapeake City, Maryland -

  

  Chesapeake City Bridge can be seen in the background.

  Perhaps my favorite town along the Chesapeake Bay and it's tributaries has some of my all-time favorite restaurants for food and relaxation along the C&D Canal.  Any season of the year is a great time for an hour drive to walk the old town streets and have a meal along the canal, hoping a large boat or barge will pass under the bridge that connects North and South Chesapeake Cities.
• Chestertown, Maryland -

  

  Chestertown waterfront.

  Another really neat little town along the Chester River which is a tributary that leads into the Chesapeake Bay.  The town was founded in 1706 and eventually became Maryland's second leading port behind Annapolis.  So many eclectic shops throughout the town with the little shop "Twigs and Teacups" our favorite.  Saturday morning farmer's market in the small park in the center of the town is also a fun stop.   
• Lititz, Pennsylvania -  

  

  Downtown Lititz, PA

  My final small town is no more than a few miles to the north of Lancaster.  I have recently written a series of stories about Lititz which garnered recognition two years ago when they were voted "Coolest Small Town in America."  So you see, it is popular all over the country.

My list could carry many more small towns whose pride makes it a great place to visit, but I would have to go on forever, listing at least another dozen or more favorites.  I have picked a few that are within driving distance from my hometown of Lancaster, PA.  Tomorrow I will give you some of my favorite home towns that are located outside the USA.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.