This date would have slipped by me if Ed hadn't called to say "Happy Birthday!" Tracking the days of the week in one thing but keeping track of the days of the month is another...I pay little attention. So let's begin with the older birthday.
On this day in 1843, Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Saxony. Today's Writer's Almanac noted his birthday and the following quotes are excerpted from that article.
"In addition to his own writing, Luther spent much of his late-life working on a translation of the Bible into German. There had been a few German translations before his, but they were purely literal translations. He wanted to appeal to average people, and he tried to use words that would be understood by common Germans. He said, "[The translator] must ask the mother at home, children in the street, the common man in the marketplace, and look them in the mouth, and listen to how they speak, then translate accordingly....Today, most of Luther's writings are only read by theologians, but his words survive in his popular hymns. He knew that many people couldn't read, and he believed hymns could communicate ideas more broadly. He also just loved music. He said, "My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary." His hymns are sung in churches throughout the world."
Luther's Bible translation set the standard for German language for years to come, perhaps even until today.
On this date in 1775, 245 years ago, The United States Marine Corps was founded. When Ed and I were in the Marines we always got a big birthday dinner on November 10, but no mention was made of Martine Luther! Go figure.
Takk for alt,
Al
PS It's been snowing for six hours and is forecast to continue for two more. "I'm dreaming of a white Thanksgiving."
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