ATTENTION:
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Honoring our Military with the Best Recruiting Commercial Ever
Had my life taken a different course, I would be an officer in the United States Marine Corps right now. I know now, but not fully why, that that life is not what God intended for me.
In the day, I chose the Marines because I believed then as now that the United States was worth fighting for, and that the Marine Corps was my best chance for actually fighting. Yes, I wanted to go to war for my country. It would have been worth whatever the cost to myself.
Soon after September 11th, the United States Marine Corps produced the following television commercial. I can remember the first time I saw it. It's not about team building, individual achievement, or getting an education or training.
It's about going to war.
Thank you to all the members - past, present, and future - of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, and the United States Marine Corps. You all have defended our Liberty and Nation, and today you defend myself, my wife, and my two wonderful children who sadly, will never know a pre-9/11 world.
In the day, I chose the Marines because I believed then as now that the United States was worth fighting for, and that the Marine Corps was my best chance for actually fighting. Yes, I wanted to go to war for my country. It would have been worth whatever the cost to myself.
Soon after September 11th, the United States Marine Corps produced the following television commercial. I can remember the first time I saw it. It's not about team building, individual achievement, or getting an education or training.
It's about going to war.
Thank you to all the members - past, present, and future - of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, and the United States Marine Corps. You all have defended our Liberty and Nation, and today you defend myself, my wife, and my two wonderful children who sadly, will never know a pre-9/11 world.
September 11th - Foul Footsteps and American Greatness
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
-- Francis Scott Key, September 3, 1814
Today is September 11th.
I can remember exactly the morning of September 11, 2001. I can also remember the rage I felt. I can remember the faith in our Nation I felt. I can remember the despair I felt over the loss of so many innocents, and the emergency responders who saved many but could not save all.
I do not know what one felt around lunchtime on the east coast on December 7, 1941 - but I imagine it was quite similar to our feelings on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.
I remember praying for the comfort of the victims, guidance for our President and leaders, and deliverance and victory for our Nation.
I knew we were at war - and I knew that whatever the cost would be, our Nation would prevail.
We have achieved much in the seven intervening years. Our Nation has been secure; our enemies have yet to strike on our homeland again. For that, there is one man - and one man only - to thank and credit: George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States.
President Bush has been resolute. He has been determined. He has taken the fight to our enemies and has led the efforts and policies that have decimated the Islamofascist foes we face.
Still, our Nation is wounded, and I fear that it has become complacent again.
We are told that showing imagery of 9/11 is painful to the survivors and the families of victims. This is a lie.
We are told that our foreign policies during the Bush Administration have had a negative effect on our security in the world and at home. This is a lie.
Today, seven years on, there is still a gaping, open wound in the heart of the greatest city in the world - why has it not been filled?
The World Trade Center and its Twin Towers should be rebuilt, and it should have been done already.
We are Americans. We do not surrender. We do not cower. We defy our enemies. We do not accept their foul premises. We pick ourselves up and march onward!
We do not languish in sorrow; we take our sorrow and make our enemies pay for it.
It must be said from coast to coast, from Death Valley to the peak of Mt. McKinley, that our enemies have but two options:
Unconditional Surrender or Complete Annihilation
That is what America demands. That is what Freedom demands.
Victory is at hand in Iraq. Victory is coming in Afghanistan. Victory will come on whatever battlefield is next, so long as we look back on 9/11 not with sorrow but with firm belief that the causes of Liberty and Freedom for all men is worth the cost, whatever it may be.
Today is September 11th. This is the day that the greatness of America was to end at the hands of the enemies of Liberty.
They failed.
They will continue to fail.
Henceforth I will hold, and I encourage any who read this to hold, September 11th not as a day of sorrow, but as a day of inspiration. This is the day we saw the worst of our enemies and the best of America. How can that not be inspirational?
Hold September 11th as the day the United States of America realized again our purpose: to defend and protect Freedom and Liberty for all, regardless of nationality, race, color, or creed; to seek out and destroy the enemies of the same; and to carry on the fight regardless of world opinion or human and material costs.
Sixty-eight years ago, Winston Churchill knew in the darkest days of World War II that the United States ultimately was the only hope for the defeat of tyrrany. On June 4, 1940 he said:
We shall never surrender, and even if...[we] were subjugated and starving...[we] would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
That is our charge, and it is a charge the United States of America must keep.
Thank you Lord, for the United States of America and the great opportunity and hope our Nation offers. Defend and protect our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen on battlefields far and near. Watch over and guard our public servants, especially those in law enforcement and emergency first response. Grant our civilian and military leadership the wisdom to prevail and comfort from the stress and trials of their positions. Comfort those who continue to grieve, and restore in them the hope of the future. Continue to bless us all and our Nation with your Grace. We pray this in the name of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just
And this be our motto: "In God is Our Trust".
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
-- Francis Scott Key, September 3, 1814
Today is September 11th.
I can remember exactly the morning of September 11, 2001. I can also remember the rage I felt. I can remember the faith in our Nation I felt. I can remember the despair I felt over the loss of so many innocents, and the emergency responders who saved many but could not save all.
I do not know what one felt around lunchtime on the east coast on December 7, 1941 - but I imagine it was quite similar to our feelings on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.
I remember praying for the comfort of the victims, guidance for our President and leaders, and deliverance and victory for our Nation.
I knew we were at war - and I knew that whatever the cost would be, our Nation would prevail.
We have achieved much in the seven intervening years. Our Nation has been secure; our enemies have yet to strike on our homeland again. For that, there is one man - and one man only - to thank and credit: George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States.
President Bush has been resolute. He has been determined. He has taken the fight to our enemies and has led the efforts and policies that have decimated the Islamofascist foes we face.
Still, our Nation is wounded, and I fear that it has become complacent again.
We are told that showing imagery of 9/11 is painful to the survivors and the families of victims. This is a lie.
We are told that our foreign policies during the Bush Administration have had a negative effect on our security in the world and at home. This is a lie.
Today, seven years on, there is still a gaping, open wound in the heart of the greatest city in the world - why has it not been filled?
The World Trade Center and its Twin Towers should be rebuilt, and it should have been done already.
We are Americans. We do not surrender. We do not cower. We defy our enemies. We do not accept their foul premises. We pick ourselves up and march onward!
We do not languish in sorrow; we take our sorrow and make our enemies pay for it.
It must be said from coast to coast, from Death Valley to the peak of Mt. McKinley, that our enemies have but two options:
Unconditional Surrender or Complete Annihilation
That is what America demands. That is what Freedom demands.
Victory is at hand in Iraq. Victory is coming in Afghanistan. Victory will come on whatever battlefield is next, so long as we look back on 9/11 not with sorrow but with firm belief that the causes of Liberty and Freedom for all men is worth the cost, whatever it may be.
Today is September 11th. This is the day that the greatness of America was to end at the hands of the enemies of Liberty.
They failed.
They will continue to fail.
Henceforth I will hold, and I encourage any who read this to hold, September 11th not as a day of sorrow, but as a day of inspiration. This is the day we saw the worst of our enemies and the best of America. How can that not be inspirational?
Hold September 11th as the day the United States of America realized again our purpose: to defend and protect Freedom and Liberty for all, regardless of nationality, race, color, or creed; to seek out and destroy the enemies of the same; and to carry on the fight regardless of world opinion or human and material costs.
Sixty-eight years ago, Winston Churchill knew in the darkest days of World War II that the United States ultimately was the only hope for the defeat of tyrrany. On June 4, 1940 he said:
We shall never surrender, and even if...[we] were subjugated and starving...[we] would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
That is our charge, and it is a charge the United States of America must keep.
Thank you Lord, for the United States of America and the great opportunity and hope our Nation offers. Defend and protect our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen on battlefields far and near. Watch over and guard our public servants, especially those in law enforcement and emergency first response. Grant our civilian and military leadership the wisdom to prevail and comfort from the stress and trials of their positions. Comfort those who continue to grieve, and restore in them the hope of the future. Continue to bless us all and our Nation with your Grace. We pray this in the name of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just
And this be our motto: "In God is Our Trust".
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!
Their Finest Hour, September 11, 2008: The Flight Crew and Passengers of United 93
September 11, 2001. The United States has been thrust into a war we did not start, and did not want, but one we will win. The opening front of this war was not on some far flung battlefield, nor was it contested by those in uniform. The first cowardly attacks by Islamofascist terrorists were inflicted upon civilians on airplanes, then the World Trade Center, then the Pentagon.
Due to air traffic delays, United Airlines Flight 93 departed late from Newark, NJ on its trip to California. Those aboard who were able to communicate with authorities or loved ones on the ground learned of the attack on our Nation. They learned about the intent of the hijackers. They deduced that their Boeing 757 was no longer a means of conveyance - it had become a manned cruise missile en route to a likely target in the Nation's capital.
Their situation was clear. They knew that there was only one option.
They rose up. They fought back.
United 93 crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, not that far away from my home in the Pittsburgh area. We don't know all the details about the attempt to retake control of United 93, but while the flight and its passengers were lost, our Nation was saved from a greater tragedy.
September 11, 2001 is a dark day in our Nation's history. It was the beginning of the War on Terror and a day of immesurable tragedy. We must not forget that today was also the day of our first victory in the war, thanks to those aboard United 93.
We owe them much. We honor their sacrifice, and we go forward in knowing that the American Spirit is indomitable in the face of our enemies, even when faced by death.
This was their finest hour.
Due to air traffic delays, United Airlines Flight 93 departed late from Newark, NJ on its trip to California. Those aboard who were able to communicate with authorities or loved ones on the ground learned of the attack on our Nation. They learned about the intent of the hijackers. They deduced that their Boeing 757 was no longer a means of conveyance - it had become a manned cruise missile en route to a likely target in the Nation's capital.
Their situation was clear. They knew that there was only one option.
They rose up. They fought back.
United 93 crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, not that far away from my home in the Pittsburgh area. We don't know all the details about the attempt to retake control of United 93, but while the flight and its passengers were lost, our Nation was saved from a greater tragedy.
September 11, 2001 is a dark day in our Nation's history. It was the beginning of the War on Terror and a day of immesurable tragedy. We must not forget that today was also the day of our first victory in the war, thanks to those aboard United 93.
We owe them much. We honor their sacrifice, and we go forward in knowing that the American Spirit is indomitable in the face of our enemies, even when faced by death.
This was their finest hour.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
"Keep the skeer on 'em"
More brilliance from the McCain/Palin campaign via their YouTube page:
Can't wait to see what's next...keep bringing it!
(Title quote is Nathan Bedford Forrest)
Can't wait to see what's next...keep bringing it!
(Title quote is Nathan Bedford Forrest)
Real Candidates for Real People
Heard yesterday on the Rush Limbaugh program, one family's account of meeting John McCain and Sarah Palin.
Real people relate to John and Sarah because they're real people.
Real people relate to John and Sarah because they're real people.
The last day of normalcy
I look outside, and it's another beautiful late summer/early fall day. Bright sunshine. Nice breeze. Moderate temperature. I remember a day just like this one seven years ago to the day. I also remember that day for its weather forecast saying that the next day, a Tuesday, would be more of the same...
Today is September 10th.
Little did we know then, in our complacency and sleep, that the next morning, our world would change forever.
It is an American tragedy that of the two political parties that drive our discourse and institutions, one of them has put ideology and doctrine in front of Nation and victory. Their collective clock stopped on September 10, 2001.
As much as we might want, we can not go back to September 10, 2001 - nor should we want to. We, as a Nation, must go on through strife and turmoil, through good times and bad, proclaiming Liberty and Freedom as we go.
Our enemies thought September 10, 2001 would be the last day for American greatness. They were wrong, and we must continue to prove them so.
As John McCain said in his convention address last week, "We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history; we make history."
Today is September 10th. Today, as Americans, remember what was taken from us seven years ago. Today, not tomorrow, is the day for rememberance.
Tomorrow is the day to proclaim high and loud: never surrender.
Today is September 10th.
Little did we know then, in our complacency and sleep, that the next morning, our world would change forever.
It is an American tragedy that of the two political parties that drive our discourse and institutions, one of them has put ideology and doctrine in front of Nation and victory. Their collective clock stopped on September 10, 2001.
As much as we might want, we can not go back to September 10, 2001 - nor should we want to. We, as a Nation, must go on through strife and turmoil, through good times and bad, proclaiming Liberty and Freedom as we go.
Our enemies thought September 10, 2001 would be the last day for American greatness. They were wrong, and we must continue to prove them so.
As John McCain said in his convention address last week, "We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history; we make history."
Today is September 10th. Today, as Americans, remember what was taken from us seven years ago. Today, not tomorrow, is the day for rememberance.
Tomorrow is the day to proclaim high and loud: never surrender.
We have met the enemy...
...and they are ours! (Oliver Hazard Perry) Video from the McCain/Palin Campaign at YouTube
UPDATE @ 2:17 PM - YouTube has apparently pulled the video because of the McCain campaign's use of Katie Couric speaking on the CBS Evening News as part of it - i.e. copyright violation. I'm sure the McCain campaign will redo the ad without that...
Perhaps the video was directed at CBS as well as the New Soviet Man and his campaign.
You know, for once the Republicans may be getting it. The way to victory is attack, attack, attack, attack!
The prevent defense only prevents you from winning.
As General George S. Patton once said (redactions for coarse language are mine):
I don't want to get any messages saying, "I am holding my position." We are not holding a Godd***** thing. Let the [enemy] do that. We are advancing constantly and we are not interested in holding onto anything, except the enemy's b***s. We are going to twist his b***s and kick the living s*** out of him all of the time. Our basic plan of operation is to advance and to keep on advancing regardless of whether we have to go over, under, or through the enemy. We are going to go through him like crap through a goose; like s*** through a tin horn!
Keep it up John and Sarah, keep it up!
UPDATE @ 2:17 PM - YouTube has apparently pulled the video because of the McCain campaign's use of Katie Couric speaking on the CBS Evening News as part of it - i.e. copyright violation. I'm sure the McCain campaign will redo the ad without that...
Perhaps the video was directed at CBS as well as the New Soviet Man and his campaign.
You know, for once the Republicans may be getting it. The way to victory is attack, attack, attack, attack!
The prevent defense only prevents you from winning.
As General George S. Patton once said (redactions for coarse language are mine):
I don't want to get any messages saying, "I am holding my position." We are not holding a Godd***** thing. Let the [enemy] do that. We are advancing constantly and we are not interested in holding onto anything, except the enemy's b***s. We are going to twist his b***s and kick the living s*** out of him all of the time. Our basic plan of operation is to advance and to keep on advancing regardless of whether we have to go over, under, or through the enemy. We are going to go through him like crap through a goose; like s*** through a tin horn!
Keep it up John and Sarah, keep it up!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Ouch! Brady done...
The New England Patriots' QB Tom Brady is done for the season after yesterday's knee injury. I was tickled pink to see the Patriots go down to the Giants in the Super Bowl, and was hoping to see them crash and burn this season, but spending the entire NFL season without one of the all-time greats on the field is a bit of a downer...
TFH 9/8: MA2(SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor, USN - Revisited
US Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor was previously honored by Their Finest Hour when his posthumous reception of the Medal of Honor was announced. I'm revisiting this young American's heroism today by linking to this video that was shown at the Republican National Convention, with some of Michael's family in attendance. The moving narration is provided by one of the few Patriots in Hollywood, Gary Sinise:
So long as our Nation produces heroes like Michael Monsoor, there will be hope for Freedom in this world. If you can watch this without tears in your eyes, you're not an American.
"Roger that!"
So long as our Nation produces heroes like Michael Monsoor, there will be hope for Freedom in this world. If you can watch this without tears in your eyes, you're not an American.
"Roger that!"
The victory continues...
As if MSNBC really thinks this will end the bias question...
Yeah, I'm sure that Keith Olbermann of the self-proclaimed "Olbermann Broadcasting Empire" (this was the copyright citation on a book he wrote with Dan Patrick) really initiated the conversation about reducing his role in the political coverage.
I believe that as much as I believe that the MSM is unbiased.
Hat tip: Drudge
Yeah, I'm sure that Keith Olbermann of the self-proclaimed "Olbermann Broadcasting Empire" (this was the copyright citation on a book he wrote with Dan Patrick) really initiated the conversation about reducing his role in the political coverage.
I believe that as much as I believe that the MSM is unbiased.
Hat tip: Drudge
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Oh, really...
The New Soviet Man is now saying that he isn't planning to rescind the Bush tax cuts, provided that economy is in recession when he takes office.
Mr. New Soviet Man, can we please have a reality check?
1) The economy expanded as of the last numbers released. If that stays true, raising taxes will put us in recession you fool!
2) So, if a Democrat-majority Congress passes a tax increase, does that mean you'd repeal it?
Mr. New Soviet Man, can we please have a reality check?
1) The economy expanded as of the last numbers released. If that stays true, raising taxes will put us in recession you fool!
2) So, if a Democrat-majority Congress passes a tax increase, does that mean you'd repeal it?
KICKOFF: Steelers vs. Texans
Football is back! Will be updated frequently. Updates at top. HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!!!!
15:55: Steelers are running out the clock. Texans score two meaningless late TDs, and Reed added a Steelers' Figgie, so the final is 38-17. Great start to 2008 for the Steelers!!!!
15:02: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Roethlisberger to Ward, easy score. Up to 35-3. Steel city cruisin'!
14:45: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Steelers open the 2nd half by marching right down the field for Fast Willie's third TD of the game. Steelers 28, Houston 3.
14:23: Halftime, Steelers still lead 21-3
14:07: After two tackles for losses, Houston comes out of their time out to 3rd and 15...DEFENSE HOLDS! Field goal attempt by ex-Steeler Kris Brown is good, so the Black'n'Gold's lead is cut to 21-3.
14:01: INTERCEPTED!!!! Troy Polamalu picks off a bad pass from Schaub and it was an easy one. No return, so the Steelers take over at the Texans' 32. First snap...NOOOOOOO - Big Ben fumbles followed by a big return, plus a Steelers' penalty and the Texans are right back in it.
13:50: INTERCEPTED!!!! Schaub throws into double coverage, and it's picked off one-handed by the Steelers' LaMarr Woodley! 1st and 10 at the Houston 31! Quick run up + 15 yard facemask, then....TOUCHDOWN!!!!! Over the middle, Roethlisberger to Hines Ward. Reed's kick is good again and the Steelers are sailing, 21-0 with 9:03 left in the first half!!!!!
13:45: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Willie Parker scores from 13 out, kick good, Steelers up 14-0 on the 76-yard drive! Boy, they looked real sloppy down there (fumbles on 2 consecutive plays) but a TD is a TD!
13:31: Two sacks on the series puts the Texans back to 4th and 24, and they punt!
13:20: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Willie Parker breaks in from 7 yards out to the right with a great stiff arm...Jeff Reed's kick is up and good! Steelers lead 7-0.
13:14: Kubiak challenges the spot and measurment, and loses - Steelers' ball, 1st and 10 @ PIT48.
13:09: DENIED! Defense tries to hold on 4th and short, QB sneak by Schaub, Referee signals 1st down. Steelers ask for measurement...and...it's SHORT! Steelers take over on downs at their own 49!
13:04: We're on - Jeff Reed kicks off to Houston, and we're underway!
15:55: Steelers are running out the clock. Texans score two meaningless late TDs, and Reed added a Steelers' Figgie, so the final is 38-17. Great start to 2008 for the Steelers!!!!
15:02: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Roethlisberger to Ward, easy score. Up to 35-3. Steel city cruisin'!
14:45: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Steelers open the 2nd half by marching right down the field for Fast Willie's third TD of the game. Steelers 28, Houston 3.
14:23: Halftime, Steelers still lead 21-3
14:07: After two tackles for losses, Houston comes out of their time out to 3rd and 15...DEFENSE HOLDS! Field goal attempt by ex-Steeler Kris Brown is good, so the Black'n'Gold's lead is cut to 21-3.
14:01: INTERCEPTED!!!! Troy Polamalu picks off a bad pass from Schaub and it was an easy one. No return, so the Steelers take over at the Texans' 32. First snap...NOOOOOOO - Big Ben fumbles followed by a big return, plus a Steelers' penalty and the Texans are right back in it.
13:50: INTERCEPTED!!!! Schaub throws into double coverage, and it's picked off one-handed by the Steelers' LaMarr Woodley! 1st and 10 at the Houston 31! Quick run up + 15 yard facemask, then....TOUCHDOWN!!!!! Over the middle, Roethlisberger to Hines Ward. Reed's kick is good again and the Steelers are sailing, 21-0 with 9:03 left in the first half!!!!!
13:45: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Willie Parker scores from 13 out, kick good, Steelers up 14-0 on the 76-yard drive! Boy, they looked real sloppy down there (fumbles on 2 consecutive plays) but a TD is a TD!
13:31: Two sacks on the series puts the Texans back to 4th and 24, and they punt!
13:20: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Willie Parker breaks in from 7 yards out to the right with a great stiff arm...Jeff Reed's kick is up and good! Steelers lead 7-0.
13:14: Kubiak challenges the spot and measurment, and loses - Steelers' ball, 1st and 10 @ PIT48.
13:09: DENIED! Defense tries to hold on 4th and short, QB sneak by Schaub, Referee signals 1st down. Steelers ask for measurement...and...it's SHORT! Steelers take over on downs at their own 49!
13:04: We're on - Jeff Reed kicks off to Houston, and we're underway!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
The Left is So Scared...
...about our Sarah, that they're trying to pull out the racism card. Michelle Malkin has the details.
Their Finest Hour - A Preview
Beginning October 3rd, I will be beginning a series that probably won't be daily, but one that will run for over four years, through December 19, 2012. This series will honor the greatest human achievement in history.
Apollo+40: America Goes to the Moon
Forty years ago on October 3, 1968, the Flight Readiness Review for Apollo 7 - the first manned flight after the Apollo 1 tragedy - was held, clearing the mission for launch about a week later. This was the beginning of the final drive that put the only twelve human beings - all of them proud Americans - on the surface of the Moon between July 1969 and December 1972.
To whet all your appetites, here is the trailer for the documentary In the Shadow of the Moon. Enjoy!
Apollo+40: America Goes to the Moon
Forty years ago on October 3, 1968, the Flight Readiness Review for Apollo 7 - the first manned flight after the Apollo 1 tragedy - was held, clearing the mission for launch about a week later. This was the beginning of the final drive that put the only twelve human beings - all of them proud Americans - on the surface of the Moon between July 1969 and December 1972.
To whet all your appetites, here is the trailer for the documentary In the Shadow of the Moon. Enjoy!
TFH 9/6: Sgt. Rodney Maxwell Davis, USMC
From Medal of Honor Citations, another story of self sacrifice in the defense of Freedom:
*DAVIS, RODNEY MAXWELL
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 6 September 1967. Entered service at: Macon, Ga. Born: 7 April 1942, Macon, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the right guide of the 2d Platoon, Company B, in action against enemy forces. Elements of the 2d Platoon were pinned down by a numerically superior force of attacking North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Remnants of the platoon were located in a trench line where Sgt. Davis was directing the fire of his men in an attempt to repel the enemy attack. Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sgt. Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them while firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sgt. Davis, realizing the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sgt. Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Sergeant Davis, thank you for your courage and service to our Nation. September 6, 1967 was your finest hour!
*DAVIS, RODNEY MAXWELL
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 6 September 1967. Entered service at: Macon, Ga. Born: 7 April 1942, Macon, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the right guide of the 2d Platoon, Company B, in action against enemy forces. Elements of the 2d Platoon were pinned down by a numerically superior force of attacking North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Remnants of the platoon were located in a trench line where Sgt. Davis was directing the fire of his men in an attempt to repel the enemy attack. Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sgt. Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them while firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sgt. Davis, realizing the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sgt. Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Sergeant Davis, thank you for your courage and service to our Nation. September 6, 1967 was your finest hour!
Friday, September 05, 2008
McCain's Crescendo
I've heard John McCain's words several times over since last night. I've read and reread the text of his speech. His closing rally call, with the cheers and adulation of his party rising in the background, produces a patriotic fervor in my heart that nearly brings me to tears:
I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your president. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank him, that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth. And with hard work -- with hard work, strong faith, and a little courage, great things are always within our reach.
Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what's right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other, for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight.
Nothing is inevitable here.
We're Americans, and we never give up.
We never quit.
We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America.
He is so right. We must never be ashamed of our Nation's greatness. We must never allow the Left to get away with portraying the United States as anything but the greatest Nation on Earth.
Where the world would be today if not for the United States of America, I can not even imagine, nor would I want to be in such a world.
Those were not the cheers of the Republican Party that rose with John's words.
Those were the cheers of the American Spirit.
I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your president. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank him, that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth. And with hard work -- with hard work, strong faith, and a little courage, great things are always within our reach.
Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what's right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other, for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight.
Nothing is inevitable here.
We're Americans, and we never give up.
We never quit.
We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America.
He is so right. We must never be ashamed of our Nation's greatness. We must never allow the Left to get away with portraying the United States as anything but the greatest Nation on Earth.
Where the world would be today if not for the United States of America, I can not even imagine, nor would I want to be in such a world.
Those were not the cheers of the Republican Party that rose with John's words.
Those were the cheers of the American Spirit.
TFH 9/5: HC3 Edward C. Benfold, USN
I've been spending all of my recent time blogging on the election, and that will certainly continue. It is time however, to get back to honoring our Heroes. Previously, Their Finest Hour has produced the stories of medics and corpsmen who, unarmed on the battlefield, have shown true indomitable courage in the face of our enemies. Here is another such story, from Medal of Honor Citations:
*BENFOLD, EDWARD C.
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, attached to a company in the 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Korea, 5 September 1952. Entered service at: Philadelphia, Pa. Born: 15 January 1931, Staten Island, N.Y. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving in operations against enemy aggressor forces. When his company was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages, followed by a determined assault during the hours of darkness by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength, HC3c. Benfold resolutely moved from position to position in the face of intense hostile fire, treating the wounded and lending words of encouragement. Leaving the protection of his sheltered position to treat the wounded when the platoon area in which he was working was attacked from both the front and rear, he moved forward to an exposed ridge line where he observed 2 marines in a large crater. As he approached the 2 men to determine their condition, an enemy soldier threw 2 grenades into the crater while 2 other enemy charged the position. Picking up a grenade in each hand, HC3c Benfold leaped out of the crater and hurled himself against the on-rushing hostile soldiers, pushing the grenades against their chests and killing both the attackers. Mortally wounded while carrying out this heroic act, HC3c. Benfold, by his great personal valor and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, was directly responsible for saving the lives of his 2 comrades. His exceptional courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others.
Edward Benfold, I honor your sacrifice and valor in the face of our enemies. September 5, 1952 was your finest hour!
*BENFOLD, EDWARD C.
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, attached to a company in the 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Korea, 5 September 1952. Entered service at: Philadelphia, Pa. Born: 15 January 1931, Staten Island, N.Y. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving in operations against enemy aggressor forces. When his company was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages, followed by a determined assault during the hours of darkness by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength, HC3c. Benfold resolutely moved from position to position in the face of intense hostile fire, treating the wounded and lending words of encouragement. Leaving the protection of his sheltered position to treat the wounded when the platoon area in which he was working was attacked from both the front and rear, he moved forward to an exposed ridge line where he observed 2 marines in a large crater. As he approached the 2 men to determine their condition, an enemy soldier threw 2 grenades into the crater while 2 other enemy charged the position. Picking up a grenade in each hand, HC3c Benfold leaped out of the crater and hurled himself against the on-rushing hostile soldiers, pushing the grenades against their chests and killing both the attackers. Mortally wounded while carrying out this heroic act, HC3c. Benfold, by his great personal valor and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, was directly responsible for saving the lives of his 2 comrades. His exceptional courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others.
Edward Benfold, I honor your sacrifice and valor in the face of our enemies. September 5, 1952 was your finest hour!
Sarah Palin: The Times (UK) Gets It...
Read this story from the Times Online across the pond. (Hat tip: Drudge)
This is priceless:
Question: What's the difference between Sarah Palin and Barack Obama?
Answer: One is a well turned-out, good-looking, and let's be honest, pretty sexy piece of eye-candy. The other kills her own food.
I love it!
This is priceless:
Question: What's the difference between Sarah Palin and Barack Obama?
Answer: One is a well turned-out, good-looking, and let's be honest, pretty sexy piece of eye-candy. The other kills her own food.
I love it!
Joe Biden: A Man Who Cannot Tell the Truth
Michelle Malkin has a scathing review of the way Joe Biden is demonizing the unfortunate other driver in the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Biden's first wife and daughter. The Plagiarist claims that the other man was drunk, when none of the contemperaneous information from the police who investigated the accident indicates that.
In Joe Biden's world, everybody is a victim, there always has to be a villian, and true accidents can never be just that.
Disgraceful.
In Joe Biden's world, everybody is a victim, there always has to be a villian, and true accidents can never be just that.
Disgraceful.
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