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.

Three Years Retired!

Since I'm not traveling these days I thought I'd step into Mr. Peabody's WABAC machine.  It's been three years since I retired as a civilian attorney with the Department of Defense.  Very good decision for me as I've been able to explore new and diverse areas of the world, and do many of the things I never had time to do before.  It also allowed me to run for the position I'm in now with the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, namely, Junior Vice Commander in Chief.  Overall, best decision of my business life!

Mama spent the last few years of my career with me, as we ended up at the United States Transportation Command legal office.  When I retired, they gave me career medal.  I guess if you live long enough you get one of those depending on how high up in the food chain you were.  A special moment at my simple retirement day was Mama receiving a Humanitarian Service Medal for all she did not only for me but for the Command as a whole.  It was a nice gesture from USTC to show appreciation to a dog that made everyone smile when she entered a room for a meeting!

Country Update: Taiwan

Welcome to our new readers from Taiwan!  Enjoy the travels!

Simple Things

I was sitting in the backyard today, watching the world go by.  The birds were singing their different tunes. A big white egret was walking in the lake shallows looking for food.  Overhead an amazing group of about 20 hawks were soaring in a large circle, slowly and gracefully gliding around.  It was serene.

Then I saw this bubble come by the fence....and was barely able to snap a picture of it.  Just a small bubble dancing in the wind.  That's when I heard the little kids on the other side laughing without a care in the world.  To them, that bubble was the most important thing going on.

Thankfully, they don't know what's going on in the world right now.  They are content to find joy in their backyard.  They don't need the hub-bub of the modern age; they have each other....and their bubble.

The virus will be gone one of these days and we will go back to our lives.  When things start getting hectic as I'm sure they will, I'm going to remember that bubble and how I felt when I got to experience its magic.

Virtual Undersea Getaway!

Many of us are in mandatory or self-imposed lockdown because of COVID-19, so I thought I'd offer you an opportunity to escape the four walls.  In fact, I'll go even further and take you under the sea!

Over the years Megan and I have captured our world-wide SCUBA adventures in video and still photography and then published a short movie about our trip.  Now's your chance to see the beauty of the ocean and its occupants close up from the safety of your home... Yes, there will be sharks.

This link will take you to Megan's YouTube channel.  Once there, click the "Videos" tab at the top and all of the movies will show up for you.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbn086kxUm4xsBuGefhhA2g

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Today marks the 30,000th uninterrupted day of our warriors guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns. 

Located in Washington, DC, the Tomb is a solemn monument dedicated to deceased U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified.

Neither weather, civil unrest or now, COVID-19 will keep our soldiers from their sacred duty.

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National Supreme Sacrifice Day

Honored since 2004, this day remembers those who have made tremendous sacrifices for the sake and the good of others as well as those who sacrifice their lives every day for us.  It's not just about our military members.  It also honors those who step forward in times of crisis.

With all of the issues going on in our world today, let's remember everyone who is sacrificing to make things better for our future.

Country Update: Russia

Welcome to our new readers from Russia!