Like many of my childhood friends and USC fraternity brothers, I was born in 1948. My dad was fond of saying, “You were born in a log cabin.” Turns out it was the Stanford Hospital.
Today, I read that NATO (yes, the very organization under attack now by some) will mark its 75th anniversary next week. It made me wonder what other organizations or events took place in ‘48. Here are a few standouts:
The first Polaroid Camera went on sale, the Marshall Plan began airlifting food and other supplies over Europe, Reddi-Wip and Tropicana OJ hit the grocery stores, the World Health Organization was established by the UN, the Cleveland Indians won the World Series, Gandhi was murdered, King Charles III and Grace Jones were born, Israel was declared an independent state, and Truman defeated Dewey.
I once asked my dad and mom, who were born in 1905 and 1910, what single event was the most remarkable in your lifetime? They both answered, “Man landing on the moon.” I’m guessing they would be shocked to learn that plans are underway to send astronauts to Mars. I doubt any of my childhood friends or SC fraternity brothers will live to see this, but 75 years from now I’m guessing their grandchildren and mine will.
No matter how old you are, I encourage you to Google events that took place the year you were born. You may be surprised to learn which organizations, products or people you share common ground with. (Sorry to end a sentence with a preposition.)
-DF