	November 1997

November

By Pete Moore

Pete Moore is a historian, patriot and frequent op-ed contributor to Tapping Technology. He can be reached for comments, responses, or debate at United Cerebral Palsy of Frederick, MD.

Probably what this month means to me is best described by what's important and what took place in this month.

Veteran's Day is a very important day in our country. Originally called Armistice Day, it is the day on which World War I came to an end, but not before many of our soldiers gave their lives so that future generations could live free. It was on the Eleventh Day, Eleventh hour of this month in 1918 that Germany surrendered unconditionally. "So what?", you say? Well, just imagine we have lost both wars. Do you think you can go to school if you were disabled or speak your piece as we can today? Free elections would still thrive if we lost the war? The answer is no! We wouldn't even be alive, only because we are disabled. We would have to put up with leaders that only think of what they want, instead of listening to us.

A lot of you that know about my background know that my ancestor was John Winslow who sailed on the Mayflower and settled what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. The first Thanksgiving took place there.

Grandpa Winslow and the rest of his shipmates were thankful for a lot of things on the first Thanksgiving. They were thankful for making the trip and arriving there safe and alive. They were also thankful for the help that the Native Americans gave so that the Pilgrims wouldn't starve to death. The Native Americans taught my ancestors and the others how to plant crops, hunt and fish for their foods. They were taught which things were poison and what was safe to eat. Many of the Pilgrims had never seen wolf, bear, or wild cats, such as the Cougars or Pumas, as they were sometimes called.

In 1621, when it was exactly a year since their long and dangerous journey to the "promised land" my ancestor and his comrades were able to settle in a land where the "treasures" weren't gold or silver, as they were told, but the real treasures of an abundance of foods, trees to build homes and schools and churches and living freely from tyranny in Europe.

Sure, there are a lot of problems in America since "Grandpa" Winslow and the others came to this country 377 years ago. Can you protest your complaint in Russia or China? How about Germany or Japan? There aren't a lot of places where you can say what's on your mind without the fear of being locked up or shot.

I'm thankful for the parents I have. I'm thankful that my alma mater Gallaudet University gave the chance at what I wanted for so long. That is to have a real education and not just being passed on to the next grades as it was when I was growing up. I'm thankful for the friends I have and that friendships is more valuable to me than all the gold in Fort Knox. I'm thankful for my interpreters Sue and Susan who were willing to take the time to be with me so that I could communicate with the children in the schools I visited long ago.

I'm also thankful for:

Jan, my only hearing friend from Gallaudet who made me feel special as with Suzanne from Minnesota who helped me with drawings for class projects and slipped me sodas when her boss wasn't looking and realized I'm just like anyone else.

My aides in college who had to put up with me and odd hours I needed to go to the bathroom.

I thank Holly for telling me about Gallaudet and getting me an a appointment to visit Gallaudet.

My distant cousin, Cheryl Winslow, who I love very much and am very proud that we are related.

This Thanksgiving I have a lot to be thankful for - from Mike, who took care of me in college to my four sisters and their children that somewhat understand what "HELL" is from my view. Especially to Ann, my third sister who never stopped believing in her tough, hard nosed Irishman of a brother. I'm especially thankful to those that work in Supported Employment. They kept my hopes up when I thought the world didn't give a damn about me.

Last , but not least, my childhood friend Diane. I'm glad we met way back in 1957 when we were both small children and stuck by each other through hell and high water. The best bus driver I know is Sandy. Alway treated me as we were brother and sister and sharing thing together showing each other that we trust each other.

Before you go steaming off over something that is not in your best interest, remember this: the rest of the world doesn't have the kind of Democracy as we do. I know they wish they could live as we do in this country. Be thankful for what you have and pray for those that never have this kind of freedom.

Pete Moore

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