The first Honda Civic I ever saw was in 1978. It was a first generation model and I was shocked to see how small it was. Honda introduced the Civic in 1972, and it truly was a subcompact car. With an overall length of 11 feet and standing only 4 ½ feet high, the first generation Civic was the smallest car I had ever seen. I wondered to myself, “Who would even buy one?” In fact, first -year production was just over 30,000 units. The diminutive size seemed ridiculous to me and it impressed me enough that I penned this cartoon:
The current tenth-generation Civic has been the best-selling small car in America every year since its launch in 2012, with sales in excess of 300,000 units each year. American car buyers have purchased more than 10 million Civics over the course of 43 years.
A Soldier, a Sailor, an Airman and a Marine continually
argued about which of the four American Armed Service was “the Best.” The
soldier said, “There is no victory unless the ground troops overcome the enemy
in their own territory.” The airman added, “But how are you going to get there
without the air transportation? That’s why we broke away from the Army Air
Corps, you couldn’t handle it.” “You’re not the only game in town, airman,” the
sailor chimed in, “the Navy can deliver!”. “Yeah, three weeks later on your
fastest boat,” said the marine. “The conflict will be over by then.” chirped
the soldier. “Well, we really don’t need you ground-pounders.” the marine said.
“The Corps can conduct ground operations as well – You know we’re a department
of the Navy… The ‘Men’s Department’.
And so the debates continued and there was heated
discussion, and the impasse lasted throughout their entire careers, until they
each eventually passed away. Together, they found themselves standing at the
Pearly Gates of Heaven in front of St. Peter.
“St Peter, they asked. “We have fought over this single
question our entire lives. Can you tell us, which branch of the American Armed
Forces is the best?”
St. Peter replies: “I can’t answer that. But, we can ask God about it.”
Suddenly, a sparkling white dove lands on St. Peter’s shoulder. In the dove’s
beak is a note glistening with gold dust. St Peter opens the note, trumpets
blare, gold dust drifts into the air, harps play crescendos and St Peter begins
to read it aloud to the four veterans:
MEMORANDUM TO SOLDIERS, SAILORS, MARINES, AND AIRMEN
SUBJECT: Which Military Service Is The Best?
1. Gentlemen, All the Branches of the Armed Services are ‘Honorable and
Noble.’ Each of you have a dedicated place in the defense and service of your
country. Each of you has served your country well and with distinction.
2. Being a member of the American Armed Forces represents a special calling.
Not just anyone is suited to serve. It requires a special sacrifice, a
dedication, and commitment to the warrior spirit and an ability to value the
lives of your fellow countrymen above your own. These are characteristics that
warrant special respect, tribute, and memorial. So, each of you should be proud
of the service that you gave to your country and comrades, regardless of the
branch of the military in which you served.
