Operation Free

The big dog and I went for a walk, and downtown, in Veteran's Park, a rostrum was set up. Typically, there are very few people there this time of the year, and it was a blustery day, but today several men - obviously veterans - were milling about. Then, this bus pulled up.

It turns out that it's a group of veterans who want to free the US from dependence on foreign oil. An interesting coalition to say the least! They have a web site at Operation Free.

I think they're just getting started. Congressman Paul Tonko made a speech to a handful of veterans, myself and the dog. She's a good listener. I wish them success in their efforts. They need more advertising, because no one was here and neither the Congressman's web site nor the Operation Free web site mention the bus stopping in Schenectady.

Civil War monument

While remembering the start of WWII I was drawn to reflect on all the other conflicts that have passed through history. Schenectady has been fortunate in that we haven't had hostile action on our soil since the early settlement days in 1690 or so. But we've sent men off to the wars.

The city has set aside a small sliver of land at the base of State Street hill, at Lafayette St to remember those men. It's now called Veteran's Park There are monuments there for most of the conflicts the United States has been involved in. Arguably the worst was the Civil War - North against South, brother against brother.

This monument remembers a different Civil War battle on each face. I chose Gettysburg because of Lincoln's speech commemorating the Gettysburg cemetery.

Drinking fountain

In 1904, the Schenectady Women's Christian Temperance Union spent $850 to build this drinking fountain and donate it to the city. The park where it's situated is now called Veteran's Park. Back then it was called Crescent Park; a suitable name, since it's just a sliver of green at the foot of State Street hill, at Lafayette Street.

The WCTU was formed by women worried about the destructive nature of alcoholic drink; they were in favour of moderation in healthy things; total abstinence from those that harm.

Sadly, the fountain is disconnected; no water for the thirsty now.