A Day of Thanksgiving in the New World
On October 3, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation declaring Thursday, November 26 of that year as a national day of Thanksgiving and prayer.
Patriotism
Israel and the United States – A True Friendship, Not Just a Strategic Alliance
There are stories in the news saying that the bloom is off the rose, that the special relationship between the United States and Israel is breaking down.
O Say Can You See
I remember before the game, things got very quiet. All 30-odd thousand people rose. The throngs of stadium chairs creaking sounded like the world was splitting.
America’s Mutiny
March, 1783. The Revolutionary War was not over. The throng of Continental soldiers encamped at headquarters was pissed.
The Semiquincentennial; Wait’ll next year when America turns 250
Tomorrow is the real No Kings Day. Next year, we will mark the 250th anniversary of the nation.
Letter From a Humble American
Husbands and sons. Carpenters and clergymen. Some rich, some poor. Some carrying the nicest firelocks money could buy. Some wielding nothing more than a pitchfork. I was playing my fife for them.
Patriotism – What Happens When a Nation Forgets Its Rituals?
From standing for the National Anthem to pledging allegiance to the flag, national rituals shape our identity, unity, and shared vision. But what happens when these traditions fade? Fragmentation, division, and a loss of purpose.
A House Divided: Can a Man Serve Two Masters in National Identity?
The phrase “A man cannot serve two masters” comes from Matthew 6:24, where Jesus warns that divided loyalties ultimately lead to conflict.
George Washington – Legislator
The great George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 1732, and served about seventeen years as a delegate in the Virginia colony’s House of Burgesses. He is remembered for many other things as well. The Father of his Country was known as a successful merchant, farmer, and horticulturalist, a prominent frontier …
Heartland Reveille
Another poetic gift from Julie Plott Counihan, encouraging us all to believe in our great nation and exceptional people.
Major John Andre and the Border Patrol
on October 2, 1780, Major John Andre, age 30, was hanged as a spy at Tappan, New York, mere days after being captured for the incident that has ever since been the primary example of treason in the American mind. But the story of John Andre isn’t the lesson for us today.
The Plain of Weehawken, and the Loss of a Hero
Reflections on the anniversary of America’s most tragic duel… Early in the morning of July 11, 1804, the Vice President and the former Secretary of the Treasury stood on the Plain of Weehawken – a wild land in New Jersey, where the laws were different from civilized New York, across the water – and they …
Courage and Commitment at the Continental Congress
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
This July 4th Is a Memorial, Not a Celebration
On this July 4th, I am acknowledging the significance of our founding fathers’ gift to us, while recognizing that it is dying before our eyes.
We Are Not Black, White, Brown or Gay-We Are Conservative Americans
Just as we do on past Martin Luther King Day celebrations and now on Juneteenth, we take time to reflect, enjoy family and friends, and honor our shared values.
When Comfort and Self-Care Beats Semper Fi: How We Got Here
Sadly, we are now where the call of duty involves curating the perfect Instagram story rather than answering the actual call of duty.
Oliver Stone: A Brilliant Mind and Fearless Patriot
Oliver Stone, a renowned filmmaker, and patriot is celebrated for his brilliant mind and fearless dedication to truth-telling.
George Washington, A Man in Full
Washington’s Birthday is different, because on this day, we’re focused on one man. As well we should be.
Sean Dietrich: How to Save This Country
The way to save this country is to eat together. We don’t eat together anymore. We don’t eat supper at the same table. When did that stop?
American Manufacturing and the Call for an Attitude Adjustment
In 61 years on this earth, I have never needed an oscillating multitool until now. But I’m working on a 1-time project that requires one. I decided to buy the cheapest one that wasn’t made in China. Here’s how that went.