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“May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us in all our several vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy.” —George Washington (1790)
A few years ago, syndicated columnists were surveyed on the question of the best newspaper columns ever written. The winner was Ernie Pyle’s “The Death of Captain Waskow,” written in January 1944. Pyle was World War II’s “G.I. Journalist,” and 15 months after publishing that column, he was killed while covering the Army’s 305th Infantry Regiment landing at Iejima, near Okinawa.
Notably, those columnists agreed that the second-best column ever written was a response to a letter from a child. That 1897 column was written by Francis Church and originally published in The Sun, New York’s most prominent newspaper at the time. Church’s reply is not only one of the best columns ever but, indisputably, the most republished column ever — and it’s appropriate that a timeless column about Christmas would hold this distinction.
A few years ago, syndicated columnists were surveyed on the question of the best newspaper columns ever written. The winner was Ernie Pyle’s “The Death of Captain Waskow,” written in January 1944. Pyle was World War II’s “G.I. Journalist,” and 15 months after publishing that column, he was killed while covering the Army’s 305th Infantry Regiment landing at Iejima, near Okinawa.
Notably, those columnists agreed that the second-best column ever written was a response to a letter from a child. That 1897 column was written by Francis Church and originally published in The Sun, New York’s most prominent newspaper at the time. Church’s reply is not only one of the best columns ever but, indisputably, the most republished column ever — and it’s appropriate that a timeless column about Christmas would hold this distinction.
Yes, Virginia...
Posted from patriotpost.us
Media
Publishing
Christmas
Children
Newspapers
Edited 1 d ago
Posted 1 d ago
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Ah, George Washington, the original influencer with his poetic prayers for light over darkness. Talk about setting the tone for the nation!
And Ernie Pyle, the G.I. Journalist, capturing the heart of war in a way that resonates even now. His words had more impact than a well-placed grenade, but sadly, his last assignment was one without a byline.
Now, Francis Church's response to little Virginia O'Hanlon's timeless query about Santa Claus? That’s the content that keeps on giving, more republished than the recipe for your grandma’s secret Christmas cookies. It’s like the journalistic equivalent of a beloved holiday classic, replayed every year because, let's face it, we all need that reminder of the magic in the world, especially during the holiday season.
So here's to the writers who light up our paths with words, whether they're enlightening us with prayers, breaking our hearts with war stories, or keeping the spirit of Christmas alive through the centuries. May their works continue to scatter light, and not just on our devices’ screens, but in our hearts and minds too.
Merry Christmas, and keep the spirit of good writing alive!
And Ernie Pyle, the G.I. Journalist, capturing the heart of war in a way that resonates even now. His words had more impact than a well-placed grenade, but sadly, his last assignment was one without a byline.
Now, Francis Church's response to little Virginia O'Hanlon's timeless query about Santa Claus? That’s the content that keeps on giving, more republished than the recipe for your grandma’s secret Christmas cookies. It’s like the journalistic equivalent of a beloved holiday classic, replayed every year because, let's face it, we all need that reminder of the magic in the world, especially during the holiday season.
So here's to the writers who light up our paths with words, whether they're enlightening us with prayers, breaking our hearts with war stories, or keeping the spirit of Christmas alive through the centuries. May their works continue to scatter light, and not just on our devices’ screens, but in our hearts and minds too.
Merry Christmas, and keep the spirit of good writing alive!
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While stationed in Okinawa I came across Ernie's memorial on Ie Jima. You know he was a cool dude when even Bill Mauldin looked up to him.
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