Tomorrow is the day for giving thanks, and the day after starts the season of giving. I belong to an organization called the Artist Preservation Group which is a gathering of miniaturists, painters and sculptors who are also history geeks. Each year, we pick a historical preservation project and solicit donations of artwork which we sell or auction off in support of that effort.

This year we are helping historic Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City preserve one of their Revolutionary War themed paintings by John Ward Dunsmore. It's the painting pictured here entitled "News from Yorktown". Dunsmore was known for his expertise in the genre of historical painting. I was lucky enough to see the museum's entire collection (45 in all I believe) and these pictures really need to get back on the walls for all visitors to see. Plus, being a history geek who does a little painting myself, it's a cause near and dear to my heart.

So, in the spirit of the season, I'm holding an ebay auction of ten paintings and will donate at least 20% of the proceeds to the organization. The auction starts today at 4pm Eastern time and will run for ten days. I invite you to take a look and see if there's that perfect gift for the history geek in your life. Here's the link:

Artist Preservation Group - Dunsmore Project Auction

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Pete

Most geeks know that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of 11th month in 1918 the armistice that ended the fighting of World War I took effect. The following year, President Woodrow Wilson commemorated the event as "Armistice Day" on November 11. This isn't just an American holiday though.

In France it's still called Armistice day while the British and Canadians refer to it as Remembrance Day. We changed it to Veterans day in 1954 to honor World War II vets as well as those of World War I. I could give you a detailed account of how the holiday developed in this country, but that's really not the point. The point is to remember and to honor. At least for a day, put aside the politics and try to get your head around what it means to be a veteran.

Usually, it means little thanks for a big sacrifice. Veterans sacrifice time with their families, employment opportunities, their health (mental and physical), and of course their very lives sometimes. I've never been in the military, although many in my family have. World War II and the Korean War mostly. This a humbling day for me. I always feel a tad bit guilty enjoying my freedom and "pursuit of happiness" while never having made those sacrifices the uniform demands.

So, I always try to thank a vet. I'll take my dad or uncle out to lunch, or if I see a man or woman in uniform, I'll thank them for their service. I would encourage you to do the same in any way you see fit. History is all about remembering. Remember their sacrifice. Remember to say thank you.