National Speak In Complete Sentences Day

Today's the day to speak in complete sentences using proper structure, punctuation, and the like.  For those of you who know me, this is a big day!

I'm not going on a rant about "back in my day..." but there was a time when people spoke and wrote without using or saying things like LOL or BRB.  And to have a noun and a verb actually agree in a sentence?  Wow, be still my heart!  I do understand that times change, but let me be wistful for a while. 

Yes I'm being a bit [but only a bit] over the top on this post.  I know we have to keep up with the times to stay relevant.  However, I'm on a deadline and I have to get this post ASAP to the CEO NLT COB, so on the QT that means PDQ, K?

25,000 Views and 29 Countries!

Wow!  We just crossed the 25,000 view mark for the blog and I can't thank all of you enough for joining and reading.  It's been a pleasure chronicling my travel since I was elected Junior Vice Commander in Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Just think, we've got several more years and lots of adventures as I continue my journey to become your Commander in Chief.

The top ten countries by readership are interesting.  Number one is the United States followed by "Unknown Region"---who knows where THAT is!  Taking them out of the equation, the remaining eight countries rank as follows:

Tied for First are Germany and France.
Solidly in Third is Canada.
Tied for Fourth are Ireland and Vietnam.
Tied for Sixth are Argentina and Philippines.
Eighth place is held by India.

It's a keen battle and the countries not listed aren't too far off the pace.  You can help YOUR country move up by letting your friends know about the blog and ask them to read it.  Better yet, and here's a shameless plug, ask them to subscribe so they won't miss an issue.

Thank you for your support and as soon as our travel bans are lifted I'll be reporting from a location near you!

Memorial Day 2020

The day set aside to honor those service men and women who have come before us and have  "...slipped the surly bonds of earth...to touch the face of God."  [High Flight, written by WWII aviator John Gillespie Magee, Jr., who died over the skies of England at the age of 19].  Today is a solemn day, but we must remember that our comrades also lived, laughed, and loved.  Let's remember the good times and not dwell on the bad.  It's a time to respect and reflect on those no longer with us; it shouldn't be a day of sadness.

Many today are upset that they cannot go to cemeteries to lay wreaths and flags because of the national pandemic.  That they cannot congregate with others to mourn our friends.  Perhaps we can't do this in large groups, but we can still go on our own to pay our respects and provide these physical displays of remembrance.  Does it make a difference if it is one or one thousand?

As I end, I offer you this.  Why wait for one day a year to remember our fallen?  We need to remember them every day.  No one is forgotten if they live on in the memory of others.

World Turtle Day

Today is World Turtle Day and what better way to honor it?  Why photos of a turtle of course!

This was taken on a dive trip to Belize a few years ago.  I've had it hanging on my wall since then as it evokes such powerful feelings when I see it.  I'll let you take a look and I think you'll see what I mean.  Many thanks to Megan for snapping this while I was face to face with this beautiful creature of the sea.  The second picture is what I saw a few seconds later!

Veterans of Foreign Wars Installation of Officers in the 21st Century

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of installing the District Commander for the 14th District of the Department of Illinois...using technology and the Zoom platform!  Following the guidance from the National Organization we did our best to ensure fairness in the process all the while following the safety precautions put in place by our Governor.

The business meeting was short as the members voted to adopt electronic meeting procedures and focused on the matter at hand.  Officers were duly elected, and I was asked to perform the installation.  Although I was directly addressing the incoming Commander, Steve Eller, by Zoom, I asked all of those members taking their oath to participate whether they were at the location or attending electronically.

This was a first for our District and I foresee many changes in the future as we move forward.  The time is now to grasp this bull by the horns and recognize the advantages technology provides for us.  Using technology we were able to elect officers to continue the good work of the VFW without skipping a beat.  Change can be difficult but we must accept the new way of life thrust upon us. 

Space Force Flag!

The Space Force flag was unveiled a few days ago, so I apologize for the delay in getting this out to you.  Nonetheless, it's here!  The Space Force itself was officially created last December as the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces.  Currently about 16,000 personnel are attached to Space Force.

But more about the flag!  The Roman numerals signify 2019, the year of creation. The globe signifies 'space' and the Delta wing ties into the US Air Force symbolizing change and innovation.  Hearken back to 1947 when the Air Force emerged from the Army and began as its own branch of service.  The only thing constant is change!  On the flag you see the North Star [Polaris] signifying constant vigilance.

There are two clusters of stars.  On the left you see the Southern Cross, visible only from the southern hemisphere.  On the right, you see the Pleiades which is only visible from the northern hemisphere. I'm not sure why the Southern constellation is at the top and the Northern one at the bottom, and I haven't been able to source that.  Perhaps it means that in space there is no up or down?

Regardless, we have a new branch of service and they have a flag. I'm going to assume [and you know how much that's worth] that the Space Force flag will come last in order of precedence when displayed.  The order of precedence now is:  Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.  However, the Coast Guard moves up behind the Navy when it serves as a service of the Department of the Navy in time of war.  Check Department of Defense Directive 1005.8 for future updates!

For those of you wishing to purchase a Space Force flag from the VFW store, they aren't available yet.  Licensing issues with the GSA and the Air Force are being worked out now.  Once approved, production will start and you will be able to purchase and proudly fly the new Space Force flag!

Armed Forces Day

Today is the 50th anniversary of Armed Forces Day!  

Armed Forces Day was created in 1949, but the first celebration of the Day was on May 20, 1950.  It's purpose was to bring all of the services together.  It was intended to replace the individual days of each service and bring about a sense of unity.  Furthermore, the idea of this Day was to educate the public on the types of jobs military members have and what the role of the military actually is.

Of course, there is always "that guy" and in this case it was the Marine Corps.  They decided they were going to keep their day - November 10 - and still support Armed Forces Day.  They may not listen well, but we love the Devil Dogs all the same!


The official proclamation for this year's Armed Forces Day can be found at the following link:


https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-armed-forces-day-2020/?utm_source=link

What day is today?

OK, I'll admit it. I've been home since the lock down orders and it has finally hit me:  I never know for sure what day it is!  When I was working outside the house, traveling, going meetings and such, I had a calendar with appointments in it.  I checked my phone, computer, and paper calendars to ensure I didn't miss meetings and I knew where I was going to be and when.

But now?  Nope, not a clue what day it is most of the time.  Thankfully, I have to take a pill once a day.  Now, when I take it in the morning I know exactly what day it is.

It's the little things that will get us through this!  Be safe out there friends!

Silver Star Service Banner Day

Every May 1st, Americans honor the sacrifices of the combat wounded, ill, and dying service members on Silver Star Service Banner Day. The day also recognizes service members awarded the Silver Star medal.

The Blue and Gold Service Banners made their debuts in 1918 during World War I. Over time, the United States formally adopted and made official the Blue and Gold Star Service Banners. However, the Silver Star Service Banner was overlooked.  The United States House of Representatives passed H Res. 855, a stand-alone resolution on April 21, 2010, making the Silver Star Service Banner official and making May 1st Silver Star Service Banner Day.

Dating back to 1918, the Citation Star was awarded for “Gallantry in Action.” The Silver Star medal replaced the Citation Star and was first officially awarded in 1942. The Silver Star is awarded to military personnel for specific actions in combat. Between 100,000 and 150,000 Silver Star Medals have been awarded.

Today's note is dedicated to a personal hero of mine, Terry Vance, who was awarded the Silver Star medal for his combat gallantry in Viet Nam.  The Silver Star is the third highest  personal decoration for valor in combat.