Saturday, May 18, 2013

Armed Forces Day

Today is Armed Forces Day. Most Americans do not even realize that Armed Forces Day is a legitimate holiday! More and more I find a great apathy for our county among it's citizens and the 'me' generation. It is disappointing. This country was created on unity and a strong belief for a country that is based on freedom. Especially in the world today, freedom must be guarded by those who will keep vigil, the men and women in the military who swear their oath to serve and protect the Constitution and the nation.

So here's a history lesson for those that are interested.


Armed Forces Day was established to be celebrated on the third Saturday in May. It started during Harry Truman’s administration when he led an effort to consolidate the various holidays supporting each separate branch of the military into a simple unified holiday to honor the four branches together. The actual initiation of this day occurred on August 31, 1949.


In 1950, the new Department of Defense explained that Armed Forces Day was intended to help the people better understand the function and role of the military in American society, but the essential intent was to enable public recognition and appreciation of the military, and to provide a means for the public to thank men and women in uniform for their service to their country. Ironically, in June of 1950, the American military would be mustered for action as North Korean Communists attacked South Korea.

I've said it a lot...when you see someone wearing a uniform, or something that signifies they're a Veteran, or you find out through a conversation...please thank them for their service.

Sergeant Major Patrick Corcoran

Here'a a picture of one of my newest hero's Pat Corcoran. He helped me out with an amazing interview for an article I'm writing for the Civil Society Partnership Program of the Eurasia Foundation.

The least we can do is offer our genuine gratitude toward the men an women who put their lives on the line, despite politics...it's their job.



                     



Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day

Being Mare Contrare I generally think of things backward. For instance, I feel that Mother's should give their children gifts on Mother's Day because the child made the Mother and that on birthdays the child should give the Mom gifts because after all, the Mom grew the child in her belly for nine months and then gave birth.

Either way, Mother's Day is a joyous occasion celebrating the birth of a child and the Mom...unless the child you gave life to gave their life for our country. Then today is a day of remembrance. Remembrance of what was and what could have been.

Here is a list of the casualties in Afghanistan for the month of May, 2013 alone. May our thoughts and prayers be with their Mothers today. I urge you to click on the link associated with the photograph. These warriors will not be forgotten...especially by their Mothers.

  Army Spc. Kevin Cardoza


  Marine Staff Sgt. Eric D. Christian


  Army 1st Lt. Brandon J. Landrum


  Army Spc. Thomas P. Murach


  Army Staff Sgt. Francis G. Phillips IV

  Army Spc. Brandon J. Prescott


  Marine Cpl. David M. Sonka