INSURANCE BARTENDER

The following was printed in part from the Library of Congress’ blog post titled, “Good Will Toward Men: The Great War’s Christmas Truce by Malea Walker, December 22, 2020

The fighting in Europe had been growing for almost five months when Pope Benedict tried to arrange a truce between nations in early December 1914 for Christmas. But his efforts failed when Russia declined the truce. The notorious trenches of World War I were filled with weary, cold soldiers. Along the British and German lines, a sudden rise of the Christmas Spirit among the soldiers created a phenomenon that wasn’t seen throughout the rest of the war— the soldiers decided not to fight on Christmas. Stories of this unofficial Christmas Truce were published in newspapers around the world.*

The Chicago Herald printed part of a letter from a British soldier describing what took place. “On Christmas eve we were shouting across ‘Merry Christmas!’ The Germans shouted, ‘Don’t shoot till New Year’s Day!’ Christmas morning the weather was foggy, and there was no firing. We started wandering over toward the German lines. When the mist cleared, we saw the Germans doing the same thing.”

Climbing from their trenches onto the battlescarred “no man’s land,” British and German soldiers shook hands, swapped cigarettes and jokes, and even played football. “We all have wives and children…we’re just the same kind of men as you are,” one German said.

Gifts were exchanged between soldiers: pies, wine, cigars and cigarettes, chocolates, pictures, newspapers. Whatever they had with them in the trenches. Some even exchanged names and addresses to reconnect after the war! “We exchanged souvenirs; I got a German ribbon and photo of the Crown Prince of Bavaria. The Germans opposite us were awfully decent fellows—Saxons, intelligent, respectable-looking men. I had quite a decent talk with three or four and have two names and addresses in my notebook.” (New York Times, December 31, 1914, World War History: Newspaper Clippings 1914 to 1926.)

The day would be remembered and memorialized as a moment of peace during the long First World War. A day when soldiers put aside their orders and listened instead to their common decency and humanity. As one German soldier noted, “you are the same religion as we, and today is the day of peace.”

While this historic event took place more than 100 years ago, there is much we can learn from this wonderful moment during a terrible time in our history. While we are not currently at war with one another, today’s political and COVID environment is further dividing our nation, state and community. It’s fueling a fire that’s ripping through the heart of our nation, leaving confusion and despair in its wake. We’re currently living in an environment where individuals are demonized for following their own personal beliefs. No matter what side you are on, there seems to be such a visceral reaction to the opposing view these days. It’s troubling that a country founded upon diversity, freedom and acceptance has found itself where it is today. But I have hope!

The German and the British in 1914 shared many of the same beliefs, yet during this fleeting moment of peace, they put aside their differences to pay tribute and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. This holiday season, I would encourage everyone to put aside their differences, respect one another and find peace and acceptance. If German and British soldiers engaged in war and killing one could do so, then surely, we can do the same. I would challenge each of us to take this lesson beyond the Christmas season and make it a resolution for 2022. Be kind, respect and accept that others have different views and opinions - that’s what makes this country of ours so great. Be less divisive and more inclusive.

I like to think that the perseverance our country exhibited during challenging times helped to shape the spirit America has embodied since its founding. One day, those that come after us, will look back on this period in our history and either criticize us for how we treated one another or a applaud us for how we pulled through during such a trying and troubling time. Let’s not forget that our actions as a nation today will determine our success in the future.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2022!

CEO, IIAW

If you’re looking for summer in the midst of winter, there’s one delicious way to cure those blues away: Whip up a Jack Frost winter cocktail.

It’s like a festive version of a classic piña colada, only with a festive blue color and tasty shredded coconut along the rim.

• 2 ounces coconut rum or vodka - live a little, use the rum • 2 ounces blue curacao • 2 ounces cream of coconut (not coconut cream) • 4 ounces pineapple juice • 2-3 cups of ice • Coconut (shredded - for glass rim) • Simple syrup (for glass rim)

1. Take your finger and put some simple syrup on it. Run your finger along the rims of the glasses. Pour some coconut flakes on a plate and dip your glasses in the coconut. 2. Add rum, blue curacao, cream of coconut and pineapple juice into a blender. 3. Add 2-3 cups of ice, cap blender and blend until thick and smooth. 4. Pour into glasses, sip & enjoy!