Solving the Anthem Problem

During the last week, I popped into a Twitter conversation lamenting our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. In the end, one of the folks in the thread said our anthem should be changed to America the Beautiful. About the only song worse as a choice would probably be This Land is Your Land.

However, there is a problem with our anthem. No it's not that The Star-Spangled Banner is difficult to sing, or that celebrity anthem singers before major events frequently mangle it. The problem is simply that we're singing the wrong words.

An Open Letter to Gabrielle Giffords

The Hon. Gabrielle Giffords
c/o Giffords for Congress
P.O. Box 12886
Tucson, AZ 85732-2886

Dear Ms. Giffords,

My first reaction yesterday to the announcement by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus that the fifth Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship of the United States Navy would carry your name was one of incredulity as I find the honor to be improperly given. Yet, at first, I did not believe this reflected poorly on you personally, but my opinion there has now changed. It is simply a disgrace that you are accepting this honor. I respectfully ask you to consider the following, and to reconsider your acceptance.

Fifth of Five Bomb Hits...

To this point in the attack, battleship USS Arizona had been struck by four bombs. The fifth bomb hit at 0806 Hawaiian time penetrated the forward main battery magazines, causing a catastrophic explosion that destroyed the vessel seven seconds later.

Arizona burned for two days. Of her 1,400 crew, 1,177 perished. As most know, she still lies where she was destroyed. Of the dead, most still lie with her.

These are the brave Sailors and Marines who died with their ship.
(Full Military & Civilian Casualty Resource for the Attack)

Never forget. Never.

The Message

AIRRAID ON PEARLHARBOR X THIS IS NO DRILL

Message sent from CINCPAC headquarters, 0755 Hours Hawaiian Time, December 7, 1941.

The Attack is Underway

At this moment on December 7, 1941 - 0748 Hawaiian Time - the first aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy began attacking Kaneohe. 70 years ago.

Never forget. Never.

Chuck Woolery, Patriot!

With thanks to the Larry O'Connor Show, I had no idea that Chuck Woolery was on our side and that he's produced some absolutely awesome content! A sample:



You can get the rest of his videos from his site or direct on the Save Us Chuck Woolery YouTube page. What ever you do, don't miss "Let's Tax the Amish". Enjoy, my fellow patriots!

For 236 Years...

The Few, The Proud. Thank you to all the Marines past, present, and future who have defended our Liberty, protected our National honor, and showed the entire world what America stands for. Happy 236th birthday!





Both of these USMC recruiting commercials are from the post-9/11 world. They remind us what serving in our military is supposed to be about - preparing for waging and winning war. Today's the Marines' day. Tomorrow is Veterans' Day.

Every day, we should all thank God with all our hearts for the warriors who defend us.

Happy 236th Birthday, United States Navy!

Since October 13, 1775 - Non sibi sed patriae (Not self but country)...



Thanks to all the Sailors past, present, and future, and may He protect those in peril on the sea.

Mother lets her child go

228 years ago today our mother nation, the then Kingdom of Great Britain, recognized the independence of the United States of America when the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the American Revolution!

Three great American statesmen - John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay - signed the instrument of peace for our fledgling country.

Thanks Mom, for coming to your senses!

TFH 11/12: PFC Foster J. Sayers, USA

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

*SAYERS, FOSTER J.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company L, 357th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Thionville, France, 12 November 1944. Entered service at: Howard, Pa. Birth: Marsh Creek, Pa. G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945. Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in combat on 12 November 1944, near Thionville, France. During an attack on strong hostile forces entrenched on a hill he fearlessly ran up the steep approach toward his objective and set up his machinegun 20 yards from the enemy. Realizing it would be necessary to attract full attention of the dug-in Germans while his company crossed an open area and flanked the enemy, he picked up his gun, charged through withering machinegun and rifle fire to the very edge of the emplacement, and there killed 12 German soldiers with devastating close-range fire. He took up a position behind a log and engaged the hostile infantry from the flank in an heroic attempt to distract their attention while his comrades attained their objective at the crest of the hill. He was killed by the very heavy concentration of return fire; but his fearless assault enabled his company to sweep the hill with minimum of casualties, killing or capturing every enemy soldier on it. Pfc. Sayers' indomitable fighting spirit, aggressiveness, and supreme devotion to duty live on as an example of the highest traditions of the military service.

Foster Sayers, we are forever in awe and thanks for your courage, determination, and sacrifice for the cause of Freedom. November 12, 1944 was your finest hour!

Veterans' Day

It goes without saying that THEIR FINEST HOUR salutes and thanks all veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States in both peace and war.

This is the Land of the Free, because of the Brave!

Thanks to all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Airmen!

TFH 11/11: PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom, USA

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

*LINDSTROM, FLOYD K.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Mignano, Italy, 11 November 1943. Entered service at: Colorado Springs, Colo. Birth: Holdredge, Nebr. G.O. No.: 32, 20 April 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 11 November 1943, this soldier's platoon was furnishing machinegun support for a rifle company attacking a hill near Mignano, Italy, when the enemy counterattacked, forcing the riflemen and half the machinegun platoon to retire to a defensive position. Pfc. Lindstrom saw that his small section was alone and outnumbered 5 to 1, yet he immediately deployed the few remaining men into position and opened fire with his single gun. The enemy centered fire on him with machinegun, machine pistols, and grenades. Unable to knock out the enemy nest from his original position, Pfc. Lindstrom picked up his own heavy machinegun and staggered 15 yards up the barren, rocky hillside to a new position, completely ignoring enemy small arms fire which was striking all around him. From this new site, only 10 yards from the enemy machinegun, he engaged it in an intense duel. Realizing that he could not hit the hostile gunners because they were behind a large rock, he charged uphill under a steady stream of fire, killed both gunners with his pistol and dragged their gun down to his own men, directing them to employ it against the enemy. Disregarding heavy rifle fire, he returned to the enemy machinegun nest for 2 boxes of ammunition, came back and resumed withering fire from his own gun. His spectacular performance completely broke up the German counterattack. Pfc. Lindstrom demonstrated aggressive spirit and complete fearlessness in the face of almost certain death.

Floyd K. Lindstrom lost his life in the service of our great Nation on February 3, 1944.

November 11, 1943 was his finest hour!

Happy 235th Birthday, United States Marine Corps!

Since November 10, 1775...



One of the best recruiting commercials ever. Produced in the wake of 9/11 and around the time that Operation Iraqi Freedom was launched, it's the best because it's what our Armed Forces are really about: honing our Warrior class to prepare for, wage, and win wars. Period.

TFH 11/10: Captain Maurice L. Britt, USA

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

BRITT, MAURICE L.

Rank and organization: Captain (then Lieutenant), U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: North of Mignano, Italy, 10 November 1943. Entered service at: Lonoke, Ark. Born: 29 June 1919, Carlisle, Ark. G.O. No.: 23, 24 March 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Disdaining enemy hand grenades and close-range machine pistol, machinegun, and rifle, Lt. Britt inspired and led a handful of his men in repelling a bitter counterattack by approximately 100 Germans against his company positions north of Mignano, Italy, the morning of 10 November 1943. During the intense fire fight, Lt. Britt's canteen and field glasses were shattered; a bullet pierced his side; his chest, face, and hands were covered with grenade wounds. Despite his wounds, for which he refused to accept medical attention until ordered to do so by his battalion commander following the battle, he personally killed 5 and wounded an unknown number of Germans, wiped out one enemy machinegun crew, fired 5 clips of carbine and an undetermined amount of M1 rifle ammunition, and threw 32 fragmentation grenades. His bold, aggressive actions, utterly disregarding superior enemy numbers, resulted in capture of 4 Germans, 2 of them wounded, and enabled several captured Americans to escape. Lt. Britt's undaunted courage and prowess in arms were largely responsible for repulsing a German counterattack which, if successful, would have isolated his battalion and destroyed his company.

More on this great American at Wikipedia. Prior to his military service, Maurice Britt played professional football in the NFL. World War II cost him his right arm, but it did not stop his service to his Nation. He later served as the Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas.

He passed away on November 26, 1995 and rests in Little Rock National Cemetery.

November 10, 1943 was his finest hour!

TFH 11/9: Captain Lance P. Sijan, USAF

Shot down. Evaded capture for six weeks or more. Captured. Escaped. Captured. Tortured. Died as a result of capture and torture. Hero.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

*SIJAN, LANCE P.

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Air Force, 4th Allied POW Wing, Pilot of an F-4C aircraft. Place and date: North Vietnam, 9 November 1967. Entered service at: Milwaukee, Wis. Born: 13 April 1942, Milwaukee, Wis. Citation: While on a flight over North Vietnam, Capt. Sijan ejected from his disabled aircraft and successfully evaded capture for more than 6 weeks. During this time, he was seriously injured and suffered from shock and extreme weight loss due to lack of food. After being captured by North Vietnamese soldiers, Capt. Sijan was taken to a holding point for subsequent transfer to a prisoner of war camp. In his emaciated and crippled condition, he overpowered 1 of his guards and crawled into the jungle, only to be recaptured after several hours. He was then transferred to another prison camp where he was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated at length. During interrogation, he was severely tortured; however, he did not divulge any information to his captors. Capt. Sijan lapsed into delirium and was placed in the care of another prisoner. During his intermittent periods of consciousness until his death, he never complained of his physical condition and, on several occasions, spoke of future escape attempts. Capt. Sijan's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces.

Read more about this great American at Wikipedia, including the story of his final mission and more details about his capture and captivity.

Lance Sijan, our Nation and the causes of Liberty and Freedom are bettered from your life, service, courage, and sacrifice. We are forever grateful. This was your finest hour.

TFH 11/8: Technician 5th Grade Alfred L. Wilson, USA

Battlefield medics...unarmed and under fire.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

*WILSON, ALFRED L.

Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, Medical Detachment, 328th Infantry, 26th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Bezange la Petite, France, 8 November 1944. Entered service at: Fairchance, Pa. Birth: Fairchance, Pa. G.O. No.: 47, 18 June 1945. Citation: He volunteered to assist as an aid man a company other than his own, which was suffering casualties from constant artillery fire. He administered to the wounded and returned to his own company when a shellburst injured a number of its men. While treating his comrades he was seriously wounded, but refused to be evacuated by litter bearers sent to relieve him. In spite of great pain and loss of blood, he continued to administer first aid until he was too weak to stand. Crawling from 1 patient to another, he continued his work until excessive loss of blood prevented him from moving. He then verbally directed unskilled enlisted men in continuing the first aid for the wounded. Still refusing assistance himself, he remained to instruct others in dressing the wounds of his comrades until he was unable to speak above a whisper and finally lapsed into unconsciousness. The effects of his injury later caused his death. By steadfastly remaining at the scene without regard for his own safety, Cpl. Wilson through distinguished devotion to duty and personal sacrifice helped to save the lives of at least 10 wounded men.

Alfred Wilson, American Hero, rests in the Maple Grove Cemetery in his home town of Fairchance, Pennsylvania.

Thank you for your courage, sacrifice and service. November 8, 1944 was your finest hour!

The Future of American Politics

I'll just let Marco Rubio speak for himself.

TFH 11/5: Captain Robert F. Foley, USA

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

FOLEY, ROBERT F.

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, 5 November 1966. Entered service at: Newton, Mass. Born: 30 May 1941, Newton, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Foley's company was ordered to extricate another company of the battalion. Moving through the dense jungle to aid the besieged unit, Company A encountered a strong enemy force occupying well concealed, defensive positions, and the company's leading element quickly sustained several casualties. Capt. Foley immediately ran forward to the scene of the most intense action to direct the company's efforts. Deploying 1 platoon on the flank, he led the other 2 platoons in an attack on the enemy in the face of intense fire. During this action both radio operators accompanying him were wounded. At grave risk to himself he defied the enemy's murderous fire, and helped the wounded operators to a position where they could receive medical care. As he moved forward again 1 of his machine gun crews was wounded. Seizing the weapon, he charged forward firing the machine gun, shouting orders and rallying his men, thus maintaining the momentum of the attack. Under increasingly heavy enemy fire he ordered his assistant to take cover and, alone, Capt. Foley continued to advance firing the machine gun until the wounded had been evacuated and the attack in this area could be resumed. When movement on the other flank was halted by the enemy's fanatical defense, Capt. Foley moved to personally direct this critical phase of the battle. Leading the renewed effort he was blown off his feet and wounded by an enemy grenade. Despite his painful wounds he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly, destroyed 3 such positions. His outstanding personal leadership under intense enemy fire during the fierce battle which lasted for several hours, inspired his men to heroic efforts and was instrumental in the ultimate success of the operation. Capt. Foley's magnificent courage, selfless concern for his men and professional skill reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Robert F. Foley continued in the service of the United States until the year 2000, retiring from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant General.

General Foley, thank you for your lifetime of service to our Nation. November 5, 1966 though was your finest hour!

TFH 11/4: Corporal Lee H. Phillips, USMC

From Medal of Honor Citiations for the Korean War, a story of heroism that happened 60 years ago today:

*PHILLIPS, LEE H.

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 7 Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 4 November 1950. Entered service at: Ben Hill, Ga. Born: 3 February 1930, Stockbridge, Ga. Cpl. Phillips was killed in action 27 November 1950. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader of Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Assuming the point position in the attack against a strongly defended and well-entrenched numerically superior enemy force occupying a vital hill position which had been unsuccessfully assaulted on 5 separate occasions by units of the Marine Corps and other friendly forces, Cpl. Phillips fearlessly led his men in a bayonet charge up the precipitous slope under a deadly hail of hostile mortar, small-arms, and machine gun fire. Quickly rallying his squad when it was pinned down by a heavy and accurate mortar barrage, he continued to lead his men through the bombarded area and, although only 5 members were left in the casualty ridden unit, gained the military crest of the hill where he was immediately subjected to an enemy counterattack. Although greatly outnumbered by an estimated enemy squad, Cpl. Phillips boldly engaged the hostile force with handgrenades and rifle fire and, exhorting his gallant group of marines to follow him, stormed forward to completely overwhelm the enemy. With only 3 men now left in his squad, he proceeded to spearhead an assault on the last remaining strongpoint which was defended by 4 of the enemy on a rocky and almost inaccessible portion of the hill position. Using 1 hand to climb up the extremely hazardous precipice, he hurled grenades with the other and, with 2 remaining comrades, succeeded in annihilating the pocket of resistance and in consolidating the position. Immediately subjected to a sharp counterattack by an estimated enemy squad, he skillfully directed the fire of his men and employed his own weapon with deadly effectiveness to repulse the numerically superior hostile force. By his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination in the face of heavy odds, Cpl. Phillips served to inspire all who observed him and was directly responsible for the destruction of the enemy stronghold. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

More on this great American at Wikipedia.

Corporal Phillips, I salute and thank you for your courage and sacrifice. All freedom-loving people are forever in your debt. November 4, 1950 was your finest hour!

TFH 5/14: Private First Class James H. Diamond, USA

On May 8, 1945 the world celebrated V-E Day and the end of war in Europe. That day, thousands of brave Americans were still fighting the evil forces of the Japanese Empire across the Pacific. The indomitable heroism of one such American soldier began that day, and six days later on May 14th, he gave his life in service to our Nation.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

*DIAMOND, JAMES H.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 21st Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Mintal, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, 8-14 May 1945. Entered service at: Gulfport, Miss. Birth: New Orleans, La. G.O. No.: 23, 6 March 1946. Citation: As a member of the machinegun section, he displayed extreme gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty . When a Japanese sniper rose from his foxhole to throw a grenade into their midst, this valiant soldier charged and killed the enemy with a burst from his submachine gun; then, by delivering sustained fire from his personal arm and simultaneously directing the fire of 105mm. and .50 caliber weapons upon the enemy pillboxes immobilizing this and another machinegun section, he enabled them to put their guns into action. When 2 infantry companies established a bridgehead, he voluntarily assisted in evacuating the wounded under heavy fire; and then, securing an abandoned vehicle, transported casualties to the rear through mortar and artillery fire so intense as to render the vehicle inoperative and despite the fact he was suffering from a painful wound. The following day he again volunteered, this time for the hazardous job of repairing a bridge under heavy enemy fire. On 14 May 1945, when leading a patrol to evacuate casualties from his battalion, which was cut off, he ran through a virtual hail of Japanese fire to secure an abandoned machine gun. Though mortally wounded as he reached the gun, he succeeded in drawing sufficient fire upon himself so that the remaining members of the patrol could reach safety. Pfc. Diamond's indomitable spirit, constant disregard of danger, and eagerness to assist his comrades, will ever remain a symbol of selflessness and heroic sacrifice to those for whom he gave his life.

James Diamond, thank you for your courage and sacrifice. Freedom-loving people across our Nation and the world are forever in your debt. May 14, 1945 was your finest hour!