Always Read the Plaque...

[shiner]

I am a big fan of the podcast 99% Invisible. This is a show that highlights things (mostly architectural) in our built environment that are often overlooked but have a great backstory. "Always read the plaque" is a favorite saying on the show because we all walk by plaques daily without really taking notice as to why someone too such great effort to write something down and put it on display. They made an episode about reading the plaque and included a funny story about a college professor who made a final exam with only one question. Students had entered the same building for a semester and the answer to the question lie in a plaque at the entrance to the building. Almost no one got it right.

I bring this up because I had my very own always read the plaque moment this week. There I was (inverted), every security gate at DFW airport terminal D was really really busy and lines were CRAZY. For whatever reason, there are no PRIORITY lanes for frequent travelers in Terminal D but rather only general boarding and TSA Precheck. I was early for my flight, but not with a lot of room to spare. I walked past two security checkpoints with digital signage indicating 30minute+ wait times and concluded the third was equally as busy and that I would be best served just getting in line and let the timer begin.

After about 10 minutes into an estimated 45min wait, I saw a sign about the NEW and FREE DFW Fast Pass program to get through security. With time to kill and a little curiosity, I went online to read about it. I just so happened to have found the 1 security checkpoint with this pilot program in the entire airport. I was surprised to see a signup button, so I pressed the button to see what would happen.

Well, this high tech pilot program took me to SignupGenius - and guess what? 10 out of 10 slots were available for right that minute. I grabbed one, hopped out of line, and went to the Fast Pass sign to wait for an escort. Someone approached and asked if I needed help, so I proudly showed them the confirmation email and that was it - Fast Pass to the front of the line.....


Is there a time where you were saved or helped by reading the plaque/sign? Tell us about it!

 

[FiveByFive]

Was at the University of Chicago a few years back and saw this, completely under the radar to almost all people and incredibly important to where we are today in so many aspects of science and engineering:

 

[THParent]

"...There I was (inverted)..."

Thanks for that, @shiner

 

[Capt MJ]

I am an inveterate plaque reader, started out as a kid reading roadside historical plaques, to the despair of my ever-patient father when I would spy one.

One of the very first I remember reading was on my home island, St. Simons, off the South Georgia coast. I love the massive ancient oaks there. I was thrilled to know the Island’s strong oak wood went to many a naval vessel, including “Old Ironsides,” USS CONSTITUTION, herself, hence her nickname.

Here’s the plaque, and yes, do check out the website name:

Gascoigne Bluff

Throughout the ages Gascoigne Bluff has been the gateway to St. Simons Island. An Indian village was located here. Capt. James Gascoigne of HM Sloop-of-was, HAWK, which convoyed the Frederica srttlers on thbeir voyage across the Atlantic in 1736, established headquarters for Georgia´s naval...

www.readtheplaque.com

 

[FiveByFive]

"...There I was (inverted)..."

Thanks for that, @shiner

It's down in the Ladies Room....

 

[MidCakePa]

With DD now a firstie, I’m running out of time to enjoy all that the Yard has to offer. So the next time I’m there, I’m going to read every single thing in Memorial Hall. I’ve been in there numerous times, but have always taken a macro view. It’s time for a closer and more deliberate look. I know I’ll learn a lot.

 

[NJROTC-CC]

The Battle of Long Island in the American Revolution was fought near Prospect Park in Brooklyn. I used to ride my bike there. My DW is a descendant of Waloon Hugenots who came to New York in 1624 with the Dutch West India Company and had ancestors who fought in this battle. This is a plaque in the park commentating the battle. The battle was lost by the colonial army and Long Island remained under occupation by the British for the remainder of the war, which must have really bothered the Dutch New Yorkers

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

‘Greater Love Hath No Man:’ Marines in Congress Request Camp Reasoner Sign Be Sent from Vietnam to the US

On a hill near Da Nang, Vietnam, sat Camp Reasoner ― home of the Marine Corps' 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion and later 1st Reconnaissance Battalion

www.historynet.com

My hope is to live long enough to see this “plaque” once again. Either there or here in the states.

But if you are outside of Danang a few miles , on a walk or ride, you can stop and see it yourself.

I have no idea why they have the pogs from 1st Bn in the picture

“Future Commandant of the USMC”

Over the decades I have had 3 different people use that term to describe Frank.

A grad of NAPS and the USMA at WP. Not a common double.