Thor’s Hall

Today marks the 234 anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our Independence Day.  The day that a small, representative group of individuals penned a document that set forth their complaints against the Crown, and the intention to break free from the British Empire.

Today, we celebrate that event.  In doing so, there will be many tributes, parades, and other events where we commemorate the event.  There will be and have been many, many posts flying around the internet where individuals set forth some of the meanings that this day holds for them.  Here are a few of the things that I would like to point out to my limited readership.

The Base

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

Over at OpFor Lt. Col. P presents the money quote.

Liberty is a precious and rare thing, handed down from generation to generation with solemn admonishments to preserve it at all costs, for it is in fact something to fight for.

At OMV, the good Major is on a bit of a rant:

There was a special element within those that founded this country. They constructed this thing that started with “We the people” not hey lets be gentle friendly and NOT piss anyone off mentality that has been growing for decades now.

Finally over at Stormbringer’s place he takes a look at a fourth of July that many of us forget.  1863, Gettysburg.

The din of muskets and cannon had faded but the stench and pall of battle still hung in the air; two American armies stared at one another in a heavy rain across bloody fields on the Fourth of July in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 1863.

Both armies began to collect their remaining wounded and bury some of the dead. Between 46,000 and 51,000 Americans were casualties of the three-day battle. Union casualties list 23,055 (3,155 killed, 14,531 wounded, 5,369 captured or missing), while Confederate casualties are estimated 23,231 (4,708 killed, 12,693 wounded, 5,830 captured or missing).

Enjoy your holiday.  Celebrate it safely.

A series of interesting posts is up at Argghhh!!!

Describing the events of 66 years ago.

26 years ago, this commemorative address was made.

These are the things that our forefathers have done to support Liberty, and this Republic.  Are we falling short?

Over here, Michael Bane has some thoughts that are worth pondering.

On this Memorial day this video pretty much speaks for itself.

Against GySgt Wallgreens request I recorded his speach in secret….. the result is this awesome video with the last words we heard before boarding helos and heading into the heart of Marjeh. Have you ever wondered how Marines get pumped up? This video will show you how true leaders inspire their Marines to do the unthinkable.– description w/video on YouTube

Another Memorial Day is upon us.  For many, the weekend is represented by the events in Indianapolis yesterday, or the weekend “sales”, or just another holiday to party.  Lest we forget what the holiday really represents:

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, “of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion.” What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude, the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.

By order of

JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief

N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General

Official:
WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

Others out here in blog world will present you with their eloquent stories, that recognize and remember the sacrifices that have been made to protect our way of life.  So, go read what they have to say.

Remember Memorial Day and America’s Freedom Fighter

20,000 Flags – Forward Movement
Remembering Mark – Kerplunk
Graduation Night: Moon Over Yusufiyah – Mudville Gazette
Four-Day Weekend – Wings Over Iraq
Coming Home – Mudville Gazette
A Way To Honor A Fallen Hero Today – Blackfive
Memorial Day – Prairie Pundit
Memorial Day: Fitting Memorials and Passing of Torches – Blackfive
National Memorial Day Parade – Blackfive
What We Remember on Memorial Day – Los Angeles Times
Remember Who? – Paragould Daily Press
Take a Moment to Reflect on Memorial Day – Chillicothe Gazette
Memorial Day Has Relevance – Odessa American
Remember Vets; Celebrate Freedoms – Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Is the Traditional Memorial Day Celebration Still Relevant? – Delmarva Daily Times
A Special Monday – Battle Creek Enquirer
Memorial Day’s First Blossoms – Louisville Courier-Journal
Memorial Day About More Than Barbecues, Sales – Rio Rancho Observer
A Day to Honor, Not Celebrate – Duluth News Tribune
Don’t Forget the ‘Memory’ in Memorial Day – New Haven Register
Memorial Day – Southeast Missourian
Honoring the Fallen – Covington News
Remember the Reason for Memorial Day – Mount Airy News
We Wish We Didn’t Need Tomorrow But, Sadly, We Do – Leader Vindicator
Memorial Day Used to be May 30, Still Should Be – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
‘Yes, We Thank You. Yes, We Remember You.’ – Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
Honoring the Fallen – Catskill Daily Mail
Memorial Day is Time to Reflect Upon Sacrifices – Daily Republic
A Time to Remember Their Sacrifices – Hillsboro Times Gazette
Giving Their Last Full Measure – McCook Daily Gazette
They Gave Their Lives – Casper Star-Tribune
Memorial Day is Foremost a Day of Honor – Lexington Dispatch
Every Day is Memorial Day – Washington Times
Seeing a Fallen Soldier Home – Washington Times
Maintain Peace by Staying Strong – Washington Times
The Glory of War – Washington Times

Bookworm – Memorial Day Post: The Warriors Among Us

Kim Priestap – Memorial Day Tribute

Flopping Aces – Memorial Day Post and video dedicated to the memory of the late milblogger Maj. Chris Galloway
Memorial Day Weekend 2010: Giving thanks for those who made the ultimate sacrifice

Now this is a pretty cool tribute.  Bearcats and Hornets.  The final scene is worth the wait.

HORSEMEN HONOR THE BLUES – THEN & NOW | www.asb.tv.

H/T The Sniper

I have avoided addressing the Haiti situation because it has pretty much been covered elsewhere in excruciating detail.  So let’s cover the highlights:

1. Natural disaster strikes.
2. US immediately sorties assets to evaluate situation.
3. Concurrently follow on assets readied to address anticipated logistical requirements.
4. US forces recalled, deployed, and diverted from current missions to assist.
5. International community complains loudly about US controlling and monopolizing the logistics train.
6. Affected locals complain about insufficient assistance, and slow support.
7. Celebrities and news crews on site for “in depth” coverage and photo ops.
8. US picks up costs of effort without comment.

Now all of this is necessary, and given the magnitude of the event it takes some time to get assets in place, assistance moving, and the situation stabilized.  That is the nature of anything that impacts so many people.  But, to stabilize the situation and get to the point that widespread basic services can be restored, and long term rebuilding can begin these steps have to happen.

But there is that short term period of time before the supply chain gets rolling where small teams of individuals, with the right mindset, the right skill set, and the support of a grass roots team can make all the difference in the world.

This is the story of Team Rubicon, the Marines, soldiers, and volunteers that are making a difference.

Deployed at Christmas?  It is tough.  Technology has improved things to some degree but, in general terms it is one of the tougher things to mentally deal with.

Don’t forget the guys that are out there at the tip of the spear.

This really would have been a better Thanksgiving post but, I think it is appropriate any day of the year.  From one of my contemporary heroes…

Concluding our TR series of Motivators from the good folks over at The Art of Manliness.  I hope you have enjoyed it, and have added The Art of Manliness to your reading list.

Definitely something that we have lost as a culture in this nation.