History Lessons

Teach your children well
Their father's hell did slowly go by.

~ Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

"Never forget" is a fine slogan for those of us who were old enough to remember September 11, 2001. But a generation later, Americans born since the late 1990s have no memory of that day. It's time to pass on the knowledge of the terrible evil inflicted upon our country.

Share with the young people in your life your experience of 9/11. We who remember all have our stories, seared with vivid detail into our memories. Do not spare the details of the massive carnage wrought by Islamist terrorist hatred directed at innocent American citizens. Talk about the heroes of United Flight 93 and the American Flight 77 attack on the Pentagon as well as the attacks on the World Trade Center. 

Many American families are suffering to this present day from the destructive effects of 9/11. More Americans have died from 9/11-related illnesses than were murdered on that day. More victims of these illnesses undoubtedly will continue to die. That's worth open discussion and remembrance, too.

Explain also how our entire country came together and supported one another during that unbearable time. In these days of domestic division and political vitriol, that part might be the most difficult to convey to a younger generation steeped in our current societal strife.

We must not allow the 9/11 attacks to become merely two annual beams of light. Nor can we allow altered narratives to be constructed around the stark reality of 9/11. Tell the story that those who died that day deserve to have passed on.

Beams of light commemorate the 9/11 attacks on NY's Twin Towers.

While We Have Time

“Brothers, while we have time, let us do good.”

~ St. Francis of Assisi

This quote from St. Francis of Assisi, drawn from Galatians 6:10, became the mantra of the Siller family following the 9/11 sacrifice of their youngest brother, Stephen.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org) was founded by his family in Stephen Siller's honor. Stephen's story has become a legend. Coming off duty, he was on his way home when he heard the news. Stephen called his wife to say he was heading back to the city.

With tunnels and bridges shut down for security after the planes attacked, Stephen was stopped in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. He donned full gear and ran to the World Trade Center. He was among the 343 firefighters who sacrificed their lives that day in their efforts to save others.

Let Us Do Good, a book by Stephen's brother Frank Siller, CEO of T2T, has been released in honor of this 25th anniversary of 9/11. Siller relates his family's story and all the wonderful work that has been achieved in memory of Stephen. T2T provides aid not only to firefighter families of 9/11, but to first responders who have since died or are still suffering from 9/11-related illnesses, Gold Star families, and disabled war veterans. This year, in honor of this 25th commemoration, the symbolic number of 343 mortgage-free homes will be presented through the Foundation's Smart Home Program. 

Tunnel to Towers Foundation is one of the charitable organizations I'm proud to support. They have helped thousands of family members of American heroes, from 9/11 and the years following. It would be difficult to find a more worthy cause.

While we have time, let us do good.

      

End of Watch

The radio transmissions capture the last moments of men about to die but thinking only of doing their job.

Battalion Chief Orio Palmer, Fire Marshall Ron Bucca, and the FDNY Ladder 15 team had reached the 78th floor of the South Tower. They were working hard in this burning hellscape and calling on their brothers for immediate help. They didn't have time to think about dying.

Click the FDNY transmission links in the Orio's Story page of the Orio Palmer Foundation website to hear the final few minutes of one hero's life. We didn't deserve such men but were so blessed to have them.

A total of 441 first responders, including 343 firefighters, were killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. May each and every one rest in eternal peace.

The final transmission of FDNY Battalion Chief Orio Palmer
Full video on Instagram

The Hero in the Red Bandana

Welles Crowther lived two dozen years. That's a short life. Yet during his final earthly hour, on 9/11, he saved 18 people from certain death in the flaming heights of the South Tower.

Covering his nose and mouth with the red bandana he always carried, Welles guided people to the one stairway that led down to safety. Then he turned around and went back upstairs into the blazing hell. His body was found months later in the Tower lobby, near those of other firefighters at the command station. It's clear that Welles wasn't planning to leave as long as he could assist in the rescue efforts.

His family established the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust in 2001, bringing forth ongoing good from the depths of tragedy and evil. In 2006, the FDNY Commissioner named Welles an honorary New York City firefighter. This week, President Trump posthumously awarded Welles the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

It would be hard to top his heroic achievement on 9/11, no matter how many years Welles may have otherwise lived. We'll never know. But one thing is certain: it would be far better for us to have more such men as Welles alive today. May eternal light shine upon him.

Full documentary: Man in Red Bandana
The 9/11 hero who saved lives - Welles Crowther

The 9/11 Boatlift

 "A hero is a man who does what he can." 

~ Romain Rolland

I must have heard about this sometime within the tsunami of media coverage following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but I'm ashamed to admit I had forgotten it.

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a call for "All available boats" to assist in the evacuation of lower Manhattan. The maritime response undoubtedly exceeded expectations.

Within nine hours, approximately 150 boats evacuated close to 500,000 people to safety. The nautical heroes of 9/11 should be remembered with honor and respect, too.

Click to watch the 12-minute video
BOATLIFT: An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience

Uncommon Valor

Do you ever ask yourself what you would do in a life-or-death situation that would demand action of you?

Whenever I think of United Flight 93, that thought occurs to me.

I hope I would be as courageous as the passengers and crew that decided to fight back against the terrorists. But I'm in no way sure that I would have done so; I doubt that anyone can be sure of what they would do. That's what makes their actions so extraordinary. 

United 93 crashed in rural Pennsylvania, as everyday American men and women successfully thwarted the terrorist mission of attacking another target in our nation's capital. These were people just going about their lives and jobs, thrust suddenly into the path of a terrifying death. They chose to devote the remaining minutes of their lives to mount a defense against incomprehensible evil.

Because these brave men and women succeeded in their courageous battle against the terrorists, the United States was spared untold additional loss and suffering on September 11, 2001.

The Flight 93 National Memorial Park is a place I hope to visit one day. The story of United Flight 93 is one of uncommon valor, a legacy of incredible bravery. It should be an enduring inspiration to every American.

Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, USA

Struck to the Core

Amidst the enormity of the World Trade Center attack in New York City and the drama of United Flight 93, the attack on the Pentagon is sometimes overlooked. This is unfortunate for many reasons.

The Pentagon is the seat of our nation's defense apparatus. The dark symbolism in this building being a terrorist target is obvious. There were 184 deaths at the Pentagon on 9/11, including 59 passengers and crew on American Flight 77. These people ranged in age from 3 to 71 years old. Aside from military deaths, the victims included children and teachers on a school field trip, civilian employees, scientists, pilots, and government contractors. They were there that day from all across America and the world.

The Pentagon attack underscored the totality of the nation's vulnerability to terrorist hatred. Although I live on the West coast, I was employed by a defense contracting company. There were coworkers of mine in the Pentagon for a meeting that day; thankfully, they were unharmed.

An engineer I worked with, who was very soft-spoken and mild-mannered, came storming into the office on September 11, visibly upset. He told me that the parents of his childhood best friend had been passengers on American Flight 77. He slammed his backpack onto his desktop with a fierce outburst: "I'm angry!" In that moment, he spoke for every American.

There was a unity in our shock and grief on 9/11 that I'm sad to think would be elusive today. In remembering 9/11 we can strive to rekindle that spark of solidarity among our countrymen. As in any healing process, it will be slow going. But to survive as the nation we love, try we must.

 

9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon

Climbing to Honor

To mark the upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11, the San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb takes place today. There are similar events all across the USA this weekend. But in years past, when my son climbed, I've attended San Diego's Stair Climb. It was always an emotional experience yet a wonderful day.

There are local, regional, and out-of-state firefighters who sign up to climb, usually wearing full turnout gear. Registration is open to the public also, so there are hundreds of climbers lining up early in the morning. There are also hundreds of family members, friends, and spectators to cheer them on. Besides the ceremonies, introductions, and acknowledgements, a special guest speaker who is personally affected by 9/11 addresses the crowd before the climbing begins.

The climbers are grouped into teams, which begin their journey in stages. Each team is assigned a start time commemorating a significant moment on 9/11:

1. 8:46 AM - American Flight 11 hits the North WTC Tower.
2. 9:03 AM - United Flight 175 hits the South WTC Tower.
3. 9:37 AM - American Flight 77 hits the Pentagon.
4. 10:03 AM - United Flight 93 crashes in Pennsylvania.
5. 9:59 AM - The South Tower falls.
6. 10:28 AM - The North Tower falls.

Each climber can choose or is given the headshot and name of a 9/11 fallen first responder to be displayed on their climber badge. At the conclusion of their 110-floor climb, each climber rings the fire bell in honor of the fallen they have represented.

The San Diego Hilton Bayfront Hotel has 32 floors, and the climbers make three trips to the top floor, then climb 14 floors more for a total 110 floors to correspond to the height of the Twin Towers. The annual memorial stair climb is a salute in honor of all 403 emergency responders who died on September 11, 2001.

At the climb's conclusion the climbers are tired, sweating, and aching. But it gives them a good feeling to know that they've paid proper homage to their fallen brethren. It's a good enough feeling that today's heroes can then head over to the beer garden and toast the heroes of 9/11. I think the 9/11 heroes would like that.

Movies for the Week

“The past beats inside me like a second heart.” ~ John Banville

There are many films commemorating the events of September 11, 2001, and rightly so. This coming week, which will mark the 25th anniversary of that terrible day, is a perfect time to revisit the films that tell so many personal stories of the people who were there, suffered, and sometimes survived.

I still keep the DVD of 2006's World Trade Center, starring Nicolas Cage and Michael Pena. The movie depicts the true-life ordeal of the two New York City Port Authority police officers trapped deep within the rubble. Their rescue was nothing short of miraculous. 

Another disk I won't part with is the riveting 2002 documentary, 9/11, in which film makers capture real time events as they unfolded for firefighters and other first responders on scene at the Twin Towers. For many years it has been my tradition to watch this video every year on September 11. The footage recorded inside the Tower, in the midst of the initial chaos, is incredibly powerful.

United 93 is a gripping dramatization of the brave actions of the flight crew and passengers who thwarted the terrorist hijackers in their goal of attacking Washington D.C. I saw it in the movies upon its release, and it's very well done. But that was a film too sad to own or even watch again. Yet in honor of this occasion, 9/11's 25th anniversary, I'll watch United 93 on YouTube this year. 

Browse the list of 9/11-themed films and find your own selections. That's just a suggestion of one way to mark this significant anniversary of a tragic day that changed all our lives. September 11, 2001, will always be worth remembering.

Best Friends

"All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn't a dog."

~ Charles M. Schulz

It's almost the 25th anniversary of the day that roiled our national history. September 11, 2001, is eternally memorable for millions of reasons. During this week leading up to the 25th memorial year, it's worth marking a few moments of what's come to be known simply as "9/11."

Being a dog lover, I'm starting with the search and rescue dogs that tirelessly traversed the ruins of the Twin Towers in the days following the terrorist attacks. These dedicated animals are trained to find living human beings to be saved. The dogs actually become depressed if they do not succeed in their mission. 

It soon became apparent to first responders and all those working on the wreckage that no one was left alive. It is established that some of the dog handlers occasionally hid themselves under debris so the search dogs could be rewarded by discovering them and thus gain a sense of satisfaction in achieving their purpose.

As is their canine way, the dog heroes of 9/11 became a brief but enduring part of a much larger human story.

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
~ Will Rogers

Goodbye to a Dream Come True

 "I'm not near where I dream of being." ~ Dolly Parton, in a 1977 ABC TV interview

Dolly Parton, a completely unique musical talent and celebrity presence, died today at age 80. To say we've lost an American icon is a weak statement, but it's a start.

No matter how outlandish her appearance might have been, Dolly Parton was as real as they come. Whenever she spoke, she was honest, guileless, always cheerful, often surprising and sometimes even shocking in her openness. 

Dolly Parton, "Queen of Country," achieved the goal of her music crossing over into pop culture with such film hits as the theme song for1980's 9 to 5 (in which she also starred) and her classic I Will Always Love You, which became a massive hit for Whitney Houston from 1992's The Bodyguard movie soundtrack. Dolly wrote the song in 1973 and had a well-established tradition of closing her concerts with it.

One of my favorite anecdotes about Dolly is that, upon hearing Houston was objecting to Dolly singing that song so often, was "I wrote it, it's my song, and I'll sing it any dang time I want." Or words to that effect. As noted, Dolly was real.

Her music has resonated worldwide for more than half a century. She not only wrote her own music, over 3,000 songs; she sang those songs and played guitar accompaniment, too. Among her many roles, Dolly was a singer, musician, actor, comedian, philanthropist, businesswoman, and founder of the theme park Dollywood. It's important to note that she was also a dedicated Christian and devoted to her large extended family. Dolly would probably have mentioned those qualities first.

Her hair, nails, and some notable body parts might have been fake, but Dolly was genuine. She embodied our true American ideal, a rags-to-riches story that stretched from the poverty of an Appalachian cabin to worldwide wealth and fame. Dolly worked hard and earned her way up, something worth remembering in our modern age of entitlement. By her own talent, effort, and determination, she got to where she dreamed of being. Rest in peace, Dolly. You deserve it.

The rude interviewer thought she could rattle Dolly Parton. 
Dolly's grace and charm did not waver.

Trading Up

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

~ Thomas A. Edison

Everyone in the market knows by now that new jobs are hard to come by. In these inflationary times, belt-tightening companies make do with current staff at best or huge layoffs at worst. The meteoric rise of AI doesn't help the employment dilemma. Numerous entry level jobs, even mid-level jobs, in all business sectors have been eliminated by the implementation of AI. 

So, what do the high school students of 2026 look ahead to when planning their post-graduation education? I think it's time to resuscitate the lucrative alternative to the crushing debt of today's often useless college degrees. I'm referring to jobs in "The Trades."

Careers in the trades span a dizzying array of industries: construction, energy, aviation, transportation, and mining are but a few. Armed with a high school diploma, a young worker can begin on-the-job training and earn a livable salary. The opportunity to advance and increase income is built into trade jobs, and the high need and demand for these jobs ensures employment security for the foreseeable future.

Think about it. We need skilled workers who can understand, build, repair, and manage the many facets of our modern societal infrastructure. My grandchildren leap to mind, all of them Lego wizards as preschoolers. What amazing electricians, avionics technicians, or construction supervisors they would make!

I'm not dissing college; my kids and I all have bachelor's degrees. College has its place, despite today's ridiculous price tag and often vacuous course offerings. But today is a new and different time in the job market, with specialized technical skills in pressing demand.

Today's high school graduate can go on to college for several years, often incurring formidable student loan debt along with uncertain job prospects. Or they can jump right into a position in the trades and soon begin earning serious money in a stable job. That sounds like a good trade to me.

Wood jointer at work

Better Word Needed

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

~ Proverbs 27:12

Way back in college, my professor of Advanced Expository Writing distributed a cheat sheet to the class as a reference for all of his editing acronyms. There were too many to remember, but one I learned and still remember all these years later was this: BWN. "Better word needed."

Every politician and pundit railing against the Democrat Socialists of America (DSA) victories use the word "crazy" to describe the candidates. No. Drop the talking points. There is a better word to define what's happening in our elections. That word is "evil."

The DSA is flat-out dangerous to our nation. The party members mean us ill; they are not even pretending differently anymore. If the DSA win enough elections, each and every American will suffer directly. A few of their stated goals are the destruction of our government, the elimination of our law enforcement professionals, and the theft of our property for redistribution.

That's not crazy. That's evil.

There are no links to DSA election victors in this post. I won't give the DSA any assist whatsoever. Their candidates will lie as needed to gain power; and when they obtain it, they will crush us. That is what communists do. Just as any "socialist" tyrant throughout the centuries has done. If history was taught anymore, voters would know that.

And while on the topic of needing better words, there is nothing democratic about the DSA. They are communists. Communism thrives on envy and resentment; it is evil. Like everything communist, the DSA name is a lie. They are not the Democratic Socialists of America; the DSA are actually the Communists of America. Communism is evil, not "crazy." 

Make no mistake, the DSA are not "crazy." They know exactly what they are doing; they are evil. The better word needed in all commentary describing the DSA is "Communist."

Death Has No Power

 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

~ Philippians 4:13

I had never heard of Fr. Mark Beard until after he died. One day on Instagram, one of his homily clips popped up in my feed, and I was captivated. Now I follow him online and rarely go a day without watching his daily message.

Father Mark Beard of Louisiana was a passionate priest, a fiery preacher, and a Catholic influencer without peer. Since his tragic death in a car crash three years ago, his online presence has grown exponentially. His presence was so charismatic that, in the wake of his death, untold numbers of his social media followers have either embraced or returned to the Catholic Church after watching and listening to his electrifying homilies.

That fact in itself is remarkable enough. But the surprising story of his pathway to priesthood is even more astounding. A worldly businessman immersed in managing the operations of his father's company, Mark Beard was not the religious type. He liked cars, clothes, and girlfriends. A trip to the Marian shrine in Medjugorje changed his life and gave the modern world one of its most effective Catholic evangelists. 

In the documentary, A Life Well Lived, Fr. Mark relates his story in his own entertaining southern style. He could tell a story as well as he could deliver a homily, with humor, sincerity, and stark truth. You can find the show on YouTube; at less than half an hour, it's well worth your time to watch.

There's a Facebook page for him, and Instagram has a tribute posted today in honor of the 3-year anniversary that contains several clips from his homilies. The man was a riveting speaker, a truly gifted teacher in the bold and fearless manner of St. Paul. Fr. Mark's parishioners still mourn him, and there is a movement stirring to research the long process towards his sainthood. 

If you want a case of the chills, watch this clip from his last homily, mere days before he was killed. He talks about our judgment after death. I don't know how many times I've watched it, but it still makes the hair on the back of my neck rise up, knowing how close he stood to that "nanosecond" of death.

As difficult as it is to suddenly lose such a dynamic force for good, there is so much more good resulting from Fr. Beard's death. Even in our depraved times, with all the evils social media can and does advance, Fr. Mark's spiritual work continues to expand and grow long past his earthly presence. It's a heavenly reminder to us that goodness can always find a footing and flourish.

A snippet from one homily - No one's falling asleep in church!

At Our Expense

 That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain

~ Hamlet 1:5

If you are a network news viewer and expected coverage of Anthony Fauci's diary dump over the weekend, you're still in the dark. Quite intentionally, it is safe to assume, the networks omitted all mention of Fauci's self-congratulatory diary entries.

Fauci's legacy media acolytes aren't about to provide a clue as to his conceited duplicity. For a very small man, Fauci's ego is enormous. Miranda Devine of The New York Post provides a glimpse into the man's staggering self-regard. 

As Devine reports, Fauci raves about "much praise" for him and how it was "highly flattering." All this while children were shut out of their schools, small businesses were forced to close and often go bankrupt, and families were isolated from each other.

While Fauci was busy congratulating himself in his private musings for his newfound celebrity, countless numbers of our elderly loved ones were dying alone in hospitals and nursing homes. One of them was my own mother.

Near the close of her article, Devine quotes the well-known biblical verse from Proverbs 16:18: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. We who suffered in so many ways under Fauci's deceptions can only hope and pray that we may see some manner of justice. 

The Threat is Real

Today in Washington D.C., the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened an international assembly of world leaders. The topic? A Ministerial on the International Resurgence of Far-Left Political Terrorism.

The goal? Unity of the civilized world in cooperation with the United States to destroy what Rubio calls "this encroaching darkness," "a poisonous resentment," and "a distinctive and unique evil." Rubio spares nothing in defining the soul-crushing despair of life under communist totalitarianism.

Rubio's family escaped the brutality of communist Cuba; he has full knowledge of what he speaks. Furthermore, many of the nations represented in his audience remember the communist horrors of previous decades that he recounts in his address. Many countries are suffering the current onslaughts of far-left political terrorism, as are we.

I doubt we will see this event covered on any of the alphabet networks. Media acquiescence is part of the far-left's grand global plan. I recommend you make time to watch today's remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in their entirety. We've reached the moment of urgency to defend our nation's principles.

Apathy is the best friend of aspiring tyrants. Education on the perils we face is civilizational armor against that enemy. It's time to suit up.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio ~ A Voice in the Wilderness

Worth Reflection

"You can vote your way into communism, but you have to shoot your way out."

~ multiple attributions

We're hearing so much these days about the "Democratic Socialists" gaining political ground. As one who had family members who ran and escaped from Stalin's tanks with the clothes on their backs, I've heard the first-hand accounts of what happens under "socialism" morphed into "communism." Their stories painted a frightening portrait.

"Democratic Socialist" has such a softer ring to it than the "Marxist" or "Communist" descriptions. But in keeping with the facts of Marxist theory, the gentler moniker is a lie, meant to lull us little people into enough complacency to accept government bondage. "Socialism" is the keystone into this prison. Once in full power, the elite "Socialists" slam the gate, lock it, and rule "the masses" with impunity.

Don't take my word; read some history on this topic. Or simply read today's article on RealClearPolitics by Katrina Lantos Swett, "What Would My Father Say to America?" Read Victor Davis Hanson's article from July 7, dismantling the "embittered rant" of New York City's Mayor Mamdani. Education on the danger we are facing is indispensable in arming ourselves for the inevitable fight ahead.

The Marxist playbook never varies. Communism is a lie that tears down the status quo with false promises of a life free of responsibility and filled with free benefits and benevolent security. In reality, it is a totalitarian dictatorship. You think Donald Trump is a dictator? Funny! Look at the abuse the president suffers daily in the media. In a communist system, any media personality or protest leader who criticized the head of government would be off the air--and in the ground--the next day. 

In the span of a mere two generations, immigrants in America have devolved from a feeling of sincere gratitude to an over-sized sense of entitlement. Americans born and raised in the USA know only the theory, not the practice, of socialism and/or communism. It sounds so easy, so fair, so desirable; it is meant to appeal to those who are ignorant of the hard facts. What native-born American today has endured true privation? Our unprecedented comforts and liberties in this country serve to advance the lie of communism. Simply put, as a population we are spoiled and ignorant of the peril we are in.

If newcomers or longtime residents don't like our system, they are free to leave at any time, a freedom not afforded in many other countries. With socialists and outright communists increasingly gaining political ground in the US, leaving sooner is advisable.

But of course, this being the United Stated, you are free to stay and enjoy the government's confiscation of your private property--for starters.

Something to think about...

Through Other Eyes

Aside from mentioning the incredulity of overseas guests at air conditioning cooling interiors everywhere, I'm behind the curve on this story. In celebrating USA 250 I must not overlook the genuinely happy reactions of the World Cup's foreign visitors to the American way of life. From the plethora of snacks in every grocery store to free coffee and soda refills at restaurants, our guests were amazed at the freedom, abundance, and generosity of the USA.

In our currently troubled times, their delighted reactions are a timely reminder of the countless gifts we have and take for granted. It's up to us Americans to be sure we keep them.

An Italian World Cup visitor celebrates free soda refills.

Thoughts on USA's 250th Anniversary

Friendly Warning

You're free to leave if you disapprove;

We don't mind your right to move.

We love it here, we'd never go

To any other land we know.

But if you're here, respect our home;

Leave our laws and our ways alone.

If you mean us harm, we will stand tall;

Don't push your luck on that at all.

This country is for all who've learned

That liberty is dearly earned.

We respect, and honor too,

All those who've died for us--and you.

We pray this anniversary,

In God We Trust to keep us free.

Happy birthday, USA

Be Worthy of Ourselves

 “On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves.”

~ Dr. Joseph Warren, American Patriot, 1741-1775

Read Act Worthy of Yourselves at RealClearPolitics

Made in America

 He ain't prejudiced, he's just, made in America.

~ Toby Keith

On this date in 1916, my father was born. In his life experience, he was completely different from the dad Toby Keith describes in his hit song Made in America. 

My father was a city boy. As far as I know, he never once sat on a tractor. He didn't have a tattoo, and he certainly wasn't handy with tools (Mom did better with those). One of his lifelong regrets was his rejection from the military, specifically US Navy Officer Training school, due to an issue with his eyesight. A devoted Roman Catholic, his book was the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible, not the King James version.

Despite these significant contrasts to the heartland farmer portrayed in Made in America's lyrics, "my old man" and Toby's were similar in more significant ways.

Both men were dedicated family men who loved God and the USA. Once in my teens I was watching a WWII movie with my father. In one battle scene, the American flag bearer falls to the ground. Dad literally yelled at the television set, "Somebody pick up the flag!" I remember that moment because it was so uncharacteristic of my father to react so forcefully.

Dad was ahead of his time in his political views. He considered Franklin D. Roosevelt "the worst president ever" because he had "socialized the country." With the ongoing explosion of the American welfare state, I believe time has proven him right. Dad was a staunch Republican who was convinced the Vietnam conflict was an enormous error. At the time, that was a shocking stand for a conservative.

Sixty years ago, I also remember him objecting to the United States "still paying Europe's bills." In 1965, 20 years post-war, he felt those countries should be making more of an effort to be self-sufficient. I can't imagine what he would say today on that topic.

Good fathers within the USA can come from many different worlds. Their daily life, opinions, traditions and customs can vary widely, but they share the same deeply rooted values that built our country. As it states on our national currency, E pluribus unum; out of many, one. And all of them, made in America.

From the YouTube video

Half Time

 “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle..."

~ Job 7:6

That was quick. Here we are, at the end of June once again. Tomorrow, July 1, we are halfway through 2026 and on the downslope towards the next new year. The older I get, the more each year passes faster than the previous one. That's both a frightening and exhilarating fact of life.

This annual milestone is a gentle reminder to enjoy the time we have. Carpe diem! Life is good, especially during summer in the air-conditioned USA. Ask any World Cup athlete. They are amazed at the luxury of cool indoor air everywhere they go amidst the season's outdoor heat. Air conditioning is one of the many unacknowledged blessings of living in our country; at least, it was until the grateful overseas visitors called our attention to it. A small thing to Americans is a very big deal to our foreign guests. That's worth remembering in our seasonal travels.

Whatever your vacation plans may be, we all know the time will race by. Enjoy your cool, fast-flying summer!

Summer Reading

If you're a fan of historical fiction, you've probably read some of author Ken Follett's books. I've read a good portion of them, but it's a challenge to keep up with his output. 

I thought I had completed the Kingsbridge Series, but it turns out I'm only four for five. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Kingsbridge Book 5 The Armor of Light came out in 2023. I have some catching up to do.

However, my makeup homework for Kingsbridge will have to wait. I'm currently two-thirds of the way through Follett's The Century Trilogy, ready to start Book 3, The Edge of Eternity. The Century books follow five interrelated families from just before World War I up to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Each book is a tome; by the end of the series the reader has consumed roughly 3,000 pages. 

Books that size need to be worth your time, and Ken Follett does not disappoint. The historical details are impressive, especially Follett's skill at weaving true life figures into the story's action. Follett brings the grim and momentous events of the last century to vivid life. He also enjoys tossing in a fair amount of romantic spice, which does contribute to page-turning.

If you're looking for some long-term beach and/or vacation reading this summer and haven't been introduced to Ken Follett's work, give it a go. Fair warning, your summer may fly by even faster than usual.

The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett

Enough Already

The newly released film Disclosure Day from Steven Spielberg is, according to the famed director, about to rattle people of the Christian faith into doubt and disbelief.

Oh, wow. I'm shaking.

Spielberg is a true believer in alien life forms. That's been clear since his 1977 movie Close Encounters, emphasized in the 1982 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Okay, fine. You do you, Steve. But don't flatter yourself that you're about to change the world.

It's apparent to me that Spielberg's understanding of Christianity is shallow at best. For him to predict that a Hollywood movie would challenge a faithful person's belief is a breathtaking display of oversized ego. As my mother might have said, he's got an exalted opinion of himself. 

I have no plans to see this movie in a theatre. I may catch it someday on a streaming platform, if the mood strikes me. My fragile faith is safe for now.

Spielberg thinks he's far more influential and important than he actually is. Pardon me if I can't take the man seriously anymore.

From Pinterest

Remember to Remember

 "We just knew we had a job to do."

~ Sgt. Tom Jensen, D-Day veteran

The greatest tragedy of D-Day would be to forget it.
June 6, 1944

Days Gone Bi

Who remembers the United States Bicentennial anniversary?

As I recall, the entire country went berserk celebrating the occasion. Every state, every city, every town had its own committees of officials and volunteers dedicated to throwing the US a huge birthday party. For at least one year in advance of 1976, there were tee shirts, hats, buttons, Betsy Ross flags, commemorative stamps, coins, mugs, and plates and all kinds of memorabilia everywhere you looked. It was the most festive year in the country that I can recall.

What happened? Considering what a huge national gala the US Bicentennial was, why is our country's upcoming 250th birthday barely mentioned, let alone celebrated?

So many things happened in the past half century to snuff enthusiasm for this special milestone. It's hard to know where to begin. Everything that's gone wrong in the world appears to be our fault, according to so many accusers both at home and abroad. Our politics have become dangerously polarized. But it's more than that.

After all, the United States founder fathers had slaves! There was slavery in the USA! Yes, unfortunately, there was. It is one of our most terrible and tragic mistakes. Not mentioned is the fact that slavery has existed in every civilization. Most often overlooked is the fact that the US is the only country in history where hundreds of thousands of native sons fought and died to eradicate slavery, which they successfully did more than a century and a half ago. 

Also overlooked is the fact that today's mobile phones and sneakers are made by current slaves. I don't hear objections to that, but I digress.

Americans are constantly told that we're racist and sexist, also misogynistic. We hear we are fascistic and Islamophobic, too. It seems no one can quite define these terms with any degree of accuracy anymore, but that's beside the point. The epithets are nasty, and they stick. But they are not true.

If the US is such a miserable place, why does the entire world want to get in? Why don't the ungrateful US residents leave? Because everyone knows this is the best place to be. Being born in the United States is like winning life's lottery--at least, it is so far. At some level, all the naysayers must know this. Ask yourself, would "No Kings" protests be allowed in a "fascist" country? Dear Lefties: Take a moment to think logically before you answer.

The year 1976, the US Bicentennial, was a simpler time. Fifty years ago, Americans looked for the good in our country, and we found it. The good is still there. And I, for one, intend to celebrate this July 4th Independence Day to the max, just as I did the Bicentennial. My only complaint is that "United States Semiquincentennial" is a lot harder to say.

In 1976, the US flag was not "triggering"

Too Much Talk

President Trump needs to fish or cut bait in Iran. The Iranian officials are not trustworthy. We've known that since the Iranian hostage crisis that began 47 years ago. Let's not be stupid yet another time.

Stop talking. Start acting. "No blah-blah-blah."

Star Trek ~ Season 1, Episode 8 - "Miri"

Remember and Honor

"Never...was so much owed by so many to so few."

~ Winston Churchill

I hear a certain greeting often on this solemn occasion, Memorial Day in the United States: "Happy Memorial Day." It causes me to grind my teeth.

This is not a happy day. It's not about the beach or the barbecues. It's a sacred day to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by uncounted thousands of service members of the U.S. Armed Forces over the 250 years of our country's existence. They died so we could enjoy the life we have today, which is far better than that of any other country's royalty had even a century ago.

We owe all our fallen heroes a debt beyond price. Pause a moment today to think of them. Remember and honor their sacrifice.

May 25 ~ Memorial Day 2026

The Bright Side

A lot has been happening since I went on hiatus. There is so much bad news in the world, from gas prices to crime to war. It's hard to know where to begin when you return home.

Maybe finding some good news would be a welcome change. I read this piece by my wisdom hero, Victor Davis Hanson, this morning, and it put some of my concerns into perspective. In fact, I felt so much better that I thought it worth sharing, so here's the link:

America: The Real Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon › American Greatness

It's good to be back home.

Time for A Break

"Silence is the perfect herald of joy."

~ Wm. Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing 2:1

Time for a head reset. Be back sometime in May.

The Less Said, The Better

There is a duty in the Catholic Church to avoid scandal. You can look it up in the Catechism. It's tied to the "love your neighbor" directive and of course those pesky Ten Commandments.

There's already plenty of turmoil within the Church. We're not supposed to wreak more havoc inside the faith. I can't argue against such a reasonable caveat.

Based on that concept, I'm don't have much to say about the current "war" of words between the president and the pope. I certainly do have my own opinions on the matter. But the only public comment I care to make at this point is: I wish both men would just sit down and shut up.

Holding My Attention

Being a supporting member of PragerU, I keep an eye on the various interviews posted each week. There is always something worth watching

Also, being a later evening TV viewer, I usually take the length of the broadcast into consideration. When I noticed that the Robby Starbuck interview was one hour and twenty minutes, I hesitated. Do I want to watch the whole show tonight, or split it into two sessions?

That turned out to be a silly question. PragerU CEO Marissa Streit's interview with Starbuck was so interesting the time flew by. I was surprised when suddenly, it seemed to me, they were wrapping up with a "last question."

Starbuck is a compelling speaker, and he covers a wide swath of both current and historic topics. Starbuck's discussion on the future implications of AI is especially fascinating. His own negative experience of being intentionally targeted for personal destruction by false AI data is a terrifying cautionary tale on the real dangers looming ahead of us all. I wish him the best in his lawsuit against Google.

Robby Starbuck, activist and former Hollywood director, speaks with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit