Last night, wanting some level of diversion from the emotional roller coaster over the past several days, the General and I opted to watch a movie on Amazon Prime. Actually, we watched two movies. One is based on a true story. The other is simply a feel-good movie. Without hesitation, I recommend them both. One is entitled "The Man Who Saved Christmas." The other is "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus." Both movies have merit.
The Man Who Saved Christmas is based on a true story. Coincidentally, the storyline included details that were not far from home. The brother of A.C. Gilbert, founder and President of the A.C. Gilbert Company that created the Erector set for kids, was declared Missing In Action in WWI.
Consequently, the movie was a trigger to the same emotions that have occupied much of my thoughts over the past several days. Yet, knowing the story line was true for another family seemed to increase my interest as the story unfolded.
The storyline is primarily the true story of the government's request that the A.C. Gilbert Company cease making toys and make items needed for the war effort instead. As a backdrop to that request, President Wilson appointed a Council of National Defense prior to the United States joining the war effort. When the United States chose to no longer remain neutral, the Council of Defense immediately began coordinating resources and industry to support the war effort.
Wanting to do his part, A.C. Gilbert initially dispensed with manufacturing toys and became part of the nation's war machine. He subsequently came to realize the importance toys developmentally serve in the lives of children.
Without giving the details, I'll simply say it is worth the watch. Earlier this morning, I could not see the golf course as I looked out the window next to my computer screen. A heavy fog blocked visibility.
Perhaps the Council of National Defense was also in a fog. They were interested in only one thing and ignored perhaps the unintended consequences associated with ignoring the developmental needs of children.
Coincidentally, years later Ronnie and I received an Erector set from Santa at Christmas. We spent countless hours assembling bridges, building towers and structures of all kinds. I can almost envision us wearing our railroad train pajamas while we played with the Erector set on Christmas morning.
The other movie, "Yes, Virginia There Is A Santa Claus" deals with a family in the midst of hardships. The movie is well done.
All My Best!
Don
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