Remembrances

Semper Fi

240 years ago today (November 10, 1775 if you're as bad at math as I am), the United States Marine Corps was established in Philadelphia. The Corps predates the United States Declaration of Independence by several months.

As I read about the Corps history today, the best tribute I have come across so far is this short video, sponsored by the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. Well done!

If you have the time, today would also be a good day to re-watch Clint Eastwood's 1986 paean to the Corps, Heartbreak Ridge:

"Semper Fi, Gunny Highway!"

Oorah...

The Power of Language

Today is the Feast Day of Pope St. Leo the Great. His contributions to the faith are significant enough that he was the first pope to be called "The Great," and he was named "Doctor of the Church" in 1754 by Pope Benedict XIV.

Leo was noted for his eloquence, both in speaking and in writing, so I have always had a special fondness for him. Leo is the patron saint of speakers, and my teaching career was devoted to the art of public speaking.

Although the legend of Leo's eloquence preventing Attila the Hun from sacking Rome is most likely apocryphal, there is no doubt that the two men met, and that Attila chose not to plunder Rome. Make of that whatever you will...

The Way the Progressive World Really Works

From the pen of the delightful Lisa Benson, whose editorial cartoons you should read regularly, as I do.

Until Next Time...

Forty years ago today, the ore freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Canadian waters during a severe storm on Lake Superior. Its entire crew of 29 was lost.

Two weeks later, Newsweek magazine published a short article, "The Cruelest Month," which gave a brief account of the tragedy. Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot read the article, and was inspired to write "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" so that the tragedy "wouldn't be forgotten."

As the song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart and remains a staple
of FM radio (especially on November 10 each year), I think it is safe to say Lightfoot has helped achieve that goal.

Today's send-off pairs the song with images related to the tragedy. Enjoy...and say
a prayer for those who lost their lives when the Witch of November came early...