Editor's Introduction: This story was first published in Grindings on May 27, 2024. Its words still hold true as we approach this solemn holiday. In observance of Memorial Day, the U.S. government encourages a National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time, during which Americans pause for one minute to reflect on the fallen.
"In tribute to Memorial Day, we honor American veterans who died while serving in the U.S. military armed forces — a tradition which began in 1868 — as many American soldiers have tragically lost life and limb to landmines.
Yet, few realize the world’s first widespread deployment of landmines took place during the Civil War (1860-1865). According to Dr. Ken Rutherford, landmine survivor who wrote the Forward to my book Breaking Ground, landmines were first used during the start of the war, when the disparity in manpower, material, and weaponry between the North and South was significant. The gap widened in the Union’s favor as the war progressed, forcing the Confederate war industry to innovate and improvise. As the conflict progressed, landmine warfare advanced commensurably, and both tactics and technology evolved to include innovative types of design and deployment.
Join us for our Club's NEXT EVENING MEETING where we will conduct some Club business, have dinner, and enjoy Rotary fellowship. There is no charge to attend this meeting, but each attendee pays individually for food and beverages ordered at MoMo's. Please register yourself and your guests so that we can plan the space.
KQED's morning radio news anchor Brian Watt joins us to discuss delivering the news and how this delivery may be 10 years from now. He joined the KQED News team in April 2016 and has won numerous awards for his work.
Join us for our Club's next BUSINESS NETWORKING meeting when we will have coffee and light pastries and share productive and fun networking. Registration and payment in advance are required.
Join us at this service opportunity to stuff diaper bags and organize diapers and wipes for giveaway to clients of the Homeless Prenatal Program. Event is limited to 6 people.
Join us at one or both of the Baby Showers at the Homeless Prenatal Program where we will give expectant mothers diaper bags filled with supplies. The party for Spanish speakers starts at 10 AM; the party for English speakers starts at 1 PM. Registration is limited to two Rotarians at each shower,
President Frank has led an exceptional year. To celebrate his outstanding leadership and contributions, we invite you to a special recognition dinner as we reflect on our past year’s accomplishments as a Club and celebrate President Frank’s dedication to service. Your presence will make the evening all the more meaningful.
Join Rotarians and friends at the 2026 San Francisco Pride Parade! Everyone is welcome — Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, potential members, friends, and family — to stand proudly and represent Rotary’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As the 2025-2026 Rotary year comes to a close, we invite all members and friends of the Rotary Club of San Francisco to join us for a heartfelt celebration honoring our President, Frank Yoke. During this luncheon, we will recognize Frank’s dedication, leadership, and the many contributions he has made to our Club and community over the past year. Come early for the wine sale, and stay late for the after-meeting celebration.
