[July 21, 2020] For the past few months, I’ve been looking on eBay to find some old World War II posters for my office. I ran across one with the words “Follow Me!” emblazoned across the top. It turns out that Follow Me is a famous leader command and is the motto of the U.S. Infantry.1 When asked… Read More »
[July 18, 2020] Among the opening scenes in the movie Gladiator (2000), Roman general Maximus is readying his cavalry to charge into the rear of a large barbarian army. To motivate his men, he encourages them to show strength and honor in the face of the enemy. Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, tells his cavalrymen in their attack… Read More »
[July 10, 2020] In the summer of 1940, Parisians were awakened to the sound of a German-accented voice announcing an 8 p.m. curfew as German troops entered Paris, France.1 Nevertheless, the invasion of the European mainland did not begin until three years later. On this date, July 10, 1943, the invasion of Europe started. It was long overdue.2… Read More »
[July 4, 2020] I’m a patriot. I’m loyal to our Nation. And I make no apologies for it. Period. On this 4th of July, I plan to salute America as I recognize the birth date of the country. To be a real patriot, you have to also know about the Declaration of Independence itself. The Declaration of Independence… Read More »
[June 27, 2020] World War II produced photographs that still capture our attention. One of the most famous is the iconic photo by Joe Rosenthal of U.S. Marines raising the Star and Stripes over Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima, February 23, 1945.1 What is lesser known for Americans is the story behind another famous photo; this one of… Read More »
[June 21, 2020] I grew up in a very religious household, weekly attending church services, being part of prayer groups, and associating closely with other church members. It was a time to learn and to build character; we learned to be a ‘good’ person. Love your enemies is one of the often-quoted texts of the Bible. But I… Read More »
[June 20, 2020] American Legion Magazine in its July 2020 edition, highlights drawings of Ugo Giannini of Trenton, New Jersey. Participating in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, Ugo was haunted by the memories of that terrible day and found that his art could help his healing. His wife, Maxine, researched Ugo’s journey, traveled to France, talked… Read More »
[June 12, 2020] It seems that young men are always looking for adventure, making a few dollars to spend on the weekend and a way to get out of their parent’s home. It was that way, and my first job after turning 18 was working on the Missouri-Illinois Railroad.1 It was my first “real” job; full-time and regular… Read More »
[June 6, 2020] The anniversary of D-Day, the most famous battle of the twentieth century occurred this date, 6 June 1944. Sixty years later, 6 June 2004, my unit was stationed in Baghdad, Iraq – it was still early in our war. Our day began hot and dry with clear skies, a forecast that would not change until… Read More »
[May 25, 2020] Memorial Day has always been the most sacred day of the year for Americans. Honoring those heroes who have fallen in the line of duty seems built into our DNA. Our victories in war may be important, but we still humble ourselves through our actions. The only land we claim as our own are the… Read More »