On 30 May 1868, by proclamation of General John Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic –the organization of Union veterans, the first major Memorial Day observance was held to honor those who died “in defense of their country during the...
Seeking to counter US worries about his country’s rapid military growth, a top Chinese general said the communist nation’s defense clout lags decades behind America, and China wants warmer relations. “I can tell you that China does...
George W. Bush speech after capture of Saddam: The success of yesterday’s mission is a tribute to our men and women now serving in Iraq . The operation was based on the superb work of intelligence analysts who found the dictator’s...
On 12 May 1962, Douglas MacArthur delivered his famous “Duty, Honor, Country” valedictory speech at West Point. I was there as a cadet; he spoke at the conclusion of the noon meal in the mess hall. He called on each of us to truly align...
8 May 1945 marks VE Day—the day WWII ended in Europe as the Germans surrendered. But that wasn’t the only thing that happened of note on 8 May in our nation’s history. On 8 May 1792, Congress passes the second portion of the Militia Act, requiring...
The intel that led to the taking-out of Osama was developed, at least in part, through prisoner interrogation. But Obama has changed everything in dealing with such prisoners. In Iraq, the Iraqis now hold all prisoners. In Afghanistan, I think there...
May 5th, Cinco de Mayo, is the date of the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Seguín. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, the most...
On 29 Apr 1975, during the Vietnam War: Operation Frequent Wind: The last US citizens begin evacuation from Saigon prior to an expected North Vietnamese takeover. In 19 hours, 81 helicopters carried more than 1,000 Americans and almost 6,000...
Let’s see. The best general in the Army, General Petreaus, is leaving command in Afghanistan to go and head the CIA. The no real-world-experienced head of the CIA will be our new Secty of Defense. And in Afghanistan the security problem that...
Boy, do I remember this. On 24 Apr 1980, a military operation to rescue the 52 American hostages held in Tehran, Iran, ended with eight US servicemen dead and no hostages rescued. With the Iran Hostage Crisis in its sixth month and all diplomatic...