Happy Birthday United States Army!

245 years and still going strong.

The U.S. Army was founded on 14 June 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of expert riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year.

United States Flag Day - Since 1916

No Apologies.

America As I See It

I am an American by choice.  The social experiment of this Republic began over 200 years ago.  Over the course of time many things have happened both good and bad but the Republic has endured and been made stronger.  We are a beacon of hope for the world and over one million people each year come to our shores to become Americans and share in the dream of "America".  You never hear about "The Russian Dream" or "The Chinese Dream".  You do hear from all around the globe about "The American Dream".

Do we have problems?  Do we have clashes over how to best provide for our citizens?  Do we have flawed people? The answers are yes, of course.  However, we always find a way to identify the problems, root out the flaws, and ultimately make our Republic stronger.  I have faith that in these troubled times we will persevere and grow.  The overwhelming majority of Americans want the same things and it's up to all of us to find a way to make that happen.  We need to come together.

This is what I believe as a human. I believe in equality for all people.  I believe in freedom, justice, and democracy.  I believe in America.

World Oceans Day

Yes, I'm a scuba diver.  If you read this blog you know that.  Today is dedicated to protecting our oceans.  Pollution and over-fishing, to name two, are taking a toll on our oceans.  We, as the citizens of Earth, need to act now to preserve our oceans.

The United Nations has acted already.  Through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO], the UN has been establishing above water World Heritage sites since 1972.  Recently, they began declaring underwater locations as World Heritage sites.  I have been fortunate to dive several of these.  With the intervention of the UN and their declarations, these now protected sites are teeming with life and relatively pollution free. I'll be diving more of these sites around the world, to promote and preserve them, so they can continue to be a healthy home for all marine life.

We are all passengers on our planet, above and below ground.  Let's take care of it...it's the only home we have!

Operation Overlord: 76 Years Later

Better known as D-Day, this incredible military operation signaled the beginning of the end of World War II.  And it all began on this day, June 6th, 1944.

The Allied invasion force consisted of 6,939 ships, 10,440 aircraft, and 156,115 troops that actually landed on the beaches of Normandy.  Americans, Britons, and Canadians stormed those five beaches covering a 50 mile stretch.  Providing support from the English Channel were over 195,700 sailors from 8 different nations.  It truly was an Alliance of nations, coming together to defeat the Axis powers and keep the world free.  Even the American Indian Comanche nation was involved as 14 code-talkers also landed, providing secure coded messages in their native language.

Facing this massive invasion force were 50,000 German soldiers.  Fiercely defending the beachhead, the German forces inflicted over 14,000 casualties to the brave men who assaulted the beaches.  These young men, whose average age was only 20 years old, ran from their landing craft head on into a hellish maelstrom of death and destruction.  The cost in Allied life:  2,499 Americans and 1,914 from the other Allied countries.  The German forces also lost brave men, with estimates between 4,000 to 9,000 killed, wounded, or missing.  

This all happened on one day...ONE DAY.  Let's put aside our differences today and remember what happened three quarters of a century ago, when people came together to fight for the ideals of truth, justice and a free world.  They fought the enemy, not each other.

Last Civil War Pensioner Dies

Yes, the American Civil War, which ended in 1865!

Irene Triplett was 90 when she passed, having been born in 1930 when her father as 83.  Mose Triplett served with the Confederate Army, then defected and enlisted in the Union army where he fought through the end of the war.  Apparently, it was a "thing" in the early 1900s for veterans on both sides of the War to marry women who were much younger than they were.  Mose was 78 when he married his 28 year old wife!  This accounts for the stories of so many Civil War children living well into the end of the 20th century.  The last Union veteran died  in 1956 and the last Confederate soldier died in 1958.  The last surviving spouse of a Union veteran died in 2003 and on the Confederate side, the last spouse died in 2008.  As a daughter of a Civil War veteran, Irene began receiving a pension in the 1950s in the amount of $73.13 and she continued to receive that until her death...155 years after the end of the Civil War.

In recent years, many Civil War historians began spending a lot of time with Irene hoping to learn more about the Civil War.  Sadly, her father never talked much about the war with her.  A treasure trove of memories about those times lost.  As veterans, it really is up to us to pass on our histories to our families.  Of course, there are things we don't want to remember, but I'm talking about the things that kept us going.  The bonds of friendship we made; the shared burdens; the good and bad times.  It's personal anecdotes that keep us alive in the memories of others.

Let the historians tell the 'facts' of our wars.  Only we can tell what things were really like, from our perspectives.  Those stories won't be recorded in the history books.  In my opinion, those are the most important stories that need to be told.  When your kids are in their 90s, make sure they have good stories to tell about you and your time in the service!

World Reef Awareness Day

World Reef Awareness Day is a call to action for consumers, businesses, and organizations to reflect on the delicate ecosystem of our ocean’s coral reefs. As many of you know, Megan and I are avid scuba divers and we've seen first hand the deterioration of the world's reefs over time in our many travels.  Some places are just being hit, others are recovering, but all of them are sustaining damage.

Coral reefs are living communities of colonial organism made of individual polyps that excrete a bone-like skeleton. This skeleton forms large rock-like structures that are homes for thousands of organisms.  We enjoy photographing and filming these reefs and it would be tragic if future generations didn't get to see what we see.

The health of a reef tells us a lot about the health of an ocean. Many fish and ocean animals rely on the protection of the healthy, living reef for spawning season. The reef provides more than protection; it also supplies a rich, thriving food chain. From plankton and algae to the largest sea creatures, the reef ecosystem is a significant life support system.

I'm not asking you to go out and hug some coral!  Just letting you know that we are all in this together as we make our journey on Planet Earth!  Here are some pretty shots of corals on our recent trip to Yap and Palau.  

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.

Interesting Observation

Ok, it's day #14,572 of the lock down and I've run out of things to think about.  Except this one.

Here in America, seemingly everyone wears branded T-shirts.  Every shirt has a saying, logo, image, you name it.  If you go to a touristy vacation spot, you get a T-shirt with the name of the spot proclaiming this is the lousy shirt your uncle brought back for you   If there's a catchy saying, there's a T-shirt with it emblazoned on it....Have A Nice Day! And, they are all printed in the English language.  Of course, you say, we are here in America.

However, I've traveled the world over for work and pleasure for many, many years. I continue to do so.  When I go to a foreign country, I see people wearing T-shirts with slogans and sayings...and the only language you see on the shirts is English!

Aren't there foreign companies that create goofy saying T-shirts in their own languages?

¡Qué tenga un buen día!

Earth Day - 50 Years Later

Yes, Earth Day is fifty years old today.  In 1969, the concept of Earth Day was established at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco. On March 21, 1970, a sanctioned Proclamation was signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations.  A month later, the United States recognized Earth Day on April 22, 1970, with Richard Nixon as President.

Throughout these fifty years, the goal of Earth Day has been to promote events educating the public about a variety of ways to save the earth.  Yes, things were in pretty bad shape back then but, despite the issues still facing us, we certainly have come a very long way to make the world a better place.

President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon plant a tree on the White House South Lawn to recognize the first Earth Day.

Look Up At The Sky Day

On April 14, Look Up At The Sky Day encourages us to admire the beauty above us. On this day we all hope for good weather and an opportunity to fill our eyes with the sky from horizon to horizon.

In these times of global uncertainty, lock-downs, and quarantine, what better way to stretch our minds than by looking up at the great skies above us.  Let's face it, staying un-connected from each other is not good for the soul.  If we can't be with each other, take some time to soothe your troubled minds and just look up at the sky and realize the power of nature all around us.

I'll make time in my day to go out and look up and see that the world is still turning and know there are so many people working incredibly long and hard hours to get us back to a normal lifestyle.  Until we can return to that, the sky is always going to be there for us.

For those of you staying in with kids, check out this link to play some Sky Bingo!

https://n7jmr7muhj-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sky-Bingo.pdf

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day on April 9th honors the courageous men and women who have endured brutal treatment at the hands of their captors. As a result, they’ve also suffered separation from family and displayed incredible endurance and faith during their captivity.

On this day in 1942, the largest number of U.S. Forces were captured by Japanese troops in the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. After battling through extreme conditions and prolonged battles, the captured troops were forced to march 65 miles to the prison camp. Without medical attention, food or water thousands died. The mistreatment continued for those who survived the brutal journey. In the compounds, deep in the unfamiliar jungle, the hardships, brutality, and suffering lasted more than two years for those who could survive.

Since the Revolutionary War, over half a million service members have been captured. This number does not reflect those lost or never recovered. However, each POW endures conditions much like the ones described above. These heroes deserve a day of recognition.

How did this day of remembrance come about?  In 1984, a movement led by former POWs began seeking a day recognizing for former Prisoners of War on April 9th each year. In 1988, Congress approved legislation setting April 9th to commemorate the date the tragic number of captives were taken prisoner on Bataan. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day on April 1, 1988, through Presidential Proclamation 5788. He set the observance for April 9, 1988. Since then, through legislation and Presidential Proclamations, the observance carries on.