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In early American history, taverns were a natural hot bed of political activity. Before the internet and social media, a man’s “tweet” was slurred over a pint in drunken utterances. My guess is they were more than 240 characters too.

One can imagine the raucous and rowdy gatherings in low lit pubs with people cramped elbow to elbow. The latest rumor passed from one man’s lips to another man’s ear. Imagine the whispers of gossip and intrigue. The spreading of rumors both real and imagined went viral in those taverns.

Has much changed since then?

Bars remain a fixture in American life. But, they are a place to catch a sports game, and not the latest news. Now, the news is found on an iPhone and the rumor goes viral on social media. So, the answer is yes. A lot has changed.

But, many of our proud institutions remain. Among them is one of the greatest in military history. From the heart of Philadelphia in a place called Tun Tavern, the Marine Corps was born. On this day, November 10, the Marine Corps celebrates 245 years since its inception.

The Marine Corps is Born

On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized two battalions of Continental Marines through a Congressional act.

The first commissioned officer was Captain Samuel Nicholas. He was also the first Marine recruiter. I like to imagine that as the first Marine battalions were sailing to invade the Bahamas, there was at least one young Marine saying, “My recruiter lied to me. He promised a nice cruise vacation to the Caribbean.” Nevertheless, when the Marines landed in Nassau, it was game on. They fought with rifles and bayonets and started a proud tradition of hooking and jabbing from ship to shore.

When the Revolutionary War was over, the Marine Corps was temporarily disbanded. But, this did not last long. Alas, the young American nation knew that from the rugged frontiers of the American wilderness and the hard streets of American port cities, the nation still needed a place for its rowdy young citizens to prove themselves in combat. The Corps was destined to return!

The Marine Corps is Re-Born Hard

On 11 July 1798, the Marine Corps was brought back to life when Congress passed “An Act for Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps.” Some interesting facts from the act. At the time, a Major’s pay was set at $50 per month and three rations a day. But, no BAH (housing allowance). Things were tougher back then!

I also noted the following part of the act:

The non-commissioned officers and musicians, who are or shall be enlisted into the army of the United States, shall be, and they are hereby, exempted, during their term of service, from all personal arrests, for any debt or contract.

Someone needs to let the car dealers and loan sharks from Oceanside to Jacksonville know about that one!

It was not long after the Marine Corps came back in blue that many of the Marines would be back on ship. To this day, Marines still deploy abroad on Navy ships. In the days in which they sailed in search of Barbary pirates, I have to wonder the most critical question. How was the weight room on the ship? I wonder if Marines back then also fought with the Sailors for a spot on the bench press.

If they did, then it didn’t last long. The early Marines were soon storming to the shores of Tripoli and making history. Of course, this is a reference to the expedition of First Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon. During the First Barbary War in 1805, Lieutenant O’Bannon led a small group of Marines and other allies to capture the city of Derna on the shores of what is today known as Libya. But, back then it was Tripoli, which is great because the “shores of Libya” would not sound nearly as good in the Marines’ Hymn.

Battles in the 1800s

The 19th Century provided some rich, yet overlooked Marine history. Some of the battles making the highlight reels are as follows:

• 1812- Battle of New Orleans
• 1812- Battle of Bladensburg, Maryland
• 1847- Battle of Chapultepec- this is where we get the “Halls of Montezuma”
• 1861- Battle of Bull Run
• 1898- Marines fight in the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection

While the 1800s does not have as many battles as the 20th Century, it can claim the “Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps.” This was the Century of Archibald Henderson. Colonel Henderson served a whopping 53 years in the Marine Corps. He was the Commandant from 1820 to 1859 (that’s a lot of NJPs!). But, he is also credited with one of the more colorful quotes in Marine Corps history. Apparently he left a note on his office door before heading south to fight Seminole Indians in Florida and Georgia.

Gone to Florida to fight the Indians. Will be back when the war is over.

General Archibald Henderson

Two World Wars Define the Corps

The Marine Corps’ reputation was sealed during World War I and World War II. Let’s start with the First World War. This is the war that earned Marines the nickname “Devil Dogs”. It came from the German word “Teufelshunde.” This is the way the Germans described the Marines. Who can blame them? From dashing across the fields of Belleau Wood and battling other hard to pronounce French cities like Soisson and Chateau-Thierry, the Marines of World War I were a force of reckoning.

Come on, you sons of bitches- do you want to live forever?

Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly

And what Marine wouldn’t have charged into German machine guns at Belleau Wood? It was either that or face the wrath of a Gunny that was awarded the Medal of Honor not once, but TWICE. Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly spat fire and led Marines with the best of them. The Germans didn’t have a chance.

During World War II, the Marines primarily fought in the Pacific against the Japanese Empire. While many people know that the U.S. Army and American allies pulled off one of the largest amphibious invasions in American history. The Marines did a lot more amphibious invasions and on some of the most brutal terrain consisting of sharp rocks and craggy atolls.

In what became known as the “island hopping” campaign, U.S. Marines invaded small Japanese controlled island atolls across the Pacific. These invasions led up to one of the most consequential in Marine Corps history at the Battle of Iwo Jima beginning February 19, 1945. An invasion force of 70,000 Marines landed on the volcanic island and fought for 36 days across and in the process raised the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi in what is now the most iconic picture ever taken. Admiral Nimitz was also quoted saying that among the Marines “uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

Post-World War II

In the aftermath of World War II, the Marines remained busy. The Cold War began and the Marines had plenty of work to do. These wars were not easy, and the battles were not always decisive. But, the Marines did what the nation called them to do.

During the Korean War, the Marines made a name for themselves during the freezing cold at the Battle of Inchon. This is the battle where the famous Marine General Chesty Puller quipped, “We’re surrounded. That simplifies things. We can shoot in any direction.”

From 1965- 1972, the Vietnam War was another war that challenged the Marine Corps. Among the more famous battles of Vietnam was the Battle of Hue. This was one of the first times in American history when the Marines engaged in urban combat.

The next major war that involved the Marines took place in the early 1990s with Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. This was one of the first times that the Marines fought against Saddam Hussein and his Revolutionary Guard. But, it was not the last. In 2003, the Marines returned to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). At the same time, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan was taking place. Indeed America has called on its Marines to take a large role in the Global War on Terror.

Looking Ahead to the next 245

While the last 20 years have been dominated by the Global War on Terror, the Marine Corps finds itself in a familiar position. Once again it is fighting to be relevant and to prove that the nation needs its Marine Corps.

General Berger is the current Commandant of the Marine Corps. He has laid out ambitious plans to get the Marine Corps back to its amphibious roots. He has recognized that the Indo-Pacific region remains one of the most contested parts of the world as the U.S. sees China as a strategic competitor.

To that end, General Berger has made big changes to include abandoning the Marine Corps’ armor capabilities. For more on the strategic direction of the Marine Corps, the interview with Lt Col Cuomo is a must listen.

The Marine Corps Celebrates 245 Years

On November 10, 2020, the Marine Corps celebrates 245 years of rich history. Units will gather for Marine Corps Birthday Balls. These are always a good time and also a chance to see the Lieutenant try to dance and the Lance Corporals try to out drink the Company Gunny. There will be a lot of headaches on November 11!

The traditions of the Birthday Ball include 13th Commandant General John A. Lejeune’s birthday message to recognize November 10 as the official Marine Corps birthday. There is also a message from the current Commandant of the Marine Corps. Also, the oldest and youngest Marine both receive the first two pieces of cake. Marine Corps units celebrate the birthday all over the world even while deployed. The birthday is a continual source of pride in the legacy and tradition of America’s finest fighting institution.

Ways to Celebrate this Year

For veterans, there are many ways to network and meet with other Marines and veterans. Organizations like the VFW and American Legion exist throughout the country and routinely host events and celebrations to commemorate days like the Marine Corps’ birthday.

If you are on the West Coast, I highly recommend a visit to the Marines’ Memorial Hotel in San Francisco, CA. The hotel is considered a “living memorial” and it is an exceptional place to stay. They host many events and speakers. But, it is also a museum with a lot of historical artifacts from Marine history. The Marines’ Memorial Hotel also has an impressive library. After reading or thinking about reading, you can go eat at the Leatherneck Steakhouse and drink at Chesty’s Bar. The views from the bar and restaurant are outstanding and look over the San Francisco Bay Area.

For those on the East Coast, I highly recommend a trip to Quantico, Virginia to see the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Going up I-95, the Museum looms large and the architecture is inspired by the flag raising on Iwo Jima. The Marine Corps Museum has an impressive number of exhibits and displays from every battle the Marines have ever fought. There is also multiple events, speakers, and educational opportunities. Also, after walking through the exhibits for several hours, there is also a bar and restaurant, which is appropriately named Tun Tavern.

Other Resources

Consider a subscription to the Marine Corps Gazette, Leatherneck Magazine, and joining the Marine Corps Association and Foundation.

Studying history and Marine history is important. Obviously I am a staunch advocate of it and I hope to inspire others to get involved and do the same. While we celebrate 245 years of hooking and jabbing, we want to ensure that the Marine Corps continues for the next 245.

Finally, here is a list of several great books on Marine Corps history.

With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa

The Last Stand of Fox Company: A True Story of U.S. Marines in Combat

Fields of Fire: A Novel

Marine!: The Life of Chesty Puller

Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead

First to Fight: An Inside View of the U.S. Marine Corps (Bluejacket Books)

Making the Corps: 10th Anniversary Edition with a New Afterword by the Author

“Utah. Omaha. Gold. Juno. Sword.”

If the words sound like the cadence that a quarterback might shout before a snap, well, that is kind of the point.

These are the code names for the five beaches upon which Allied troops landed on June 6, 1944. The main countries involved were the United States, Britain, and Canada. Together, Allied troops made a brave and heroic dash across the English channel onto Nazi occupied France. This was no small feat. As seen below, the numbers were staggering. The risks were high. But, by the summer of 1944, the Allies had to take action. They decided that Hitler and his Nazi regime needed to be destroyed.

At the time, the Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, future American President, and all-around American badass, was the man in charge. Or for those of you who really know your acronyms, he was the HMFIC! Last year, I wrote about General Eisenhower and some of the history of one of America’s greatest generals.

The Invasion by the Numbers

This was the largest amphibious assault in U.S. military history. Let’s break it down by the numbers —

• 6,939 ships involved
• 15,000 total aircraft involved
• 156,000 Allied troops involved on D-Day
• 300 yards of beach that Allies fought across on Omaha
• 326,000 total number of troops that landed by June 11
• 50,000 total number of vehicles that landed by June 11
• 50 miles of beach invaded
• 7 million tons of supplies shipped to staging areas (WOW!!)
• 450,000 tons of ammunition shipped to staging areas
• 4 million landmines (estimated) along Normandy’s beaches

Imagine being a young soldier on that day. You are packed in a small landing craft and float to an unknown beach. Your gear is soaked. Your .30 cal M1 rifle is soaked. You’re shaking with cold and nerves. You’ve been trained, yet wonder if it is enough. Bullets ping the hatches. You must wonder if you will make it out alive. Many did not.

The “human factors” were remarkable. Soldiers packed gear to survive for three days. But, what happened when they didn’t land on the shore? What happened when the landing crafts dropped them in the water? Ammunition, rations, and medical supplies weighed the soldiers down. They had a choice to either drown or ditch their gear. Unfortunately, many soldiers did drown under the weight of their gear. One can only imagine how difficult the invasion was for the average soldier.

For further reading about the “soldier’s load”, S.L.A. Marhsall’s book Soldier’s Load and the Mobility of a Nation is one that is often studied.

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Key Facts about D-Day

There are many books and resources that provide more details about the battle and the history which I will provide links to below. However, I think that it is important for people to have a basic understanding of the history. So, here is a list of some key facts to takeaway and reflect on in honor of today:

1. Operation Overlord was the name of the D-Day operation. It took a significant amount of time to plan and prepare. “Exercise Tiger” was the name of the initial rehearsal. It was a disaster. German E-boats crashed the party. They killed 749 U.S. troops.
2. The Allies carried out a major deception campaign prior to the invasion. There is an adage in warfare that “when you try to defend everywhere, you are strong nowhere.” This speaks to why intelligence is so critical. When the Allies kept the Nazis guessing as to their true point of invasion, they were able to stretch their forces thin. In fact, the Allies were able to make the Nazis think that Pas-de-Calais might have been the site of the invasion.
3. Hitler tasked Field Marshal Erwin Rommel with defending against an invasion. “The Atlantic Wall” was a 2,400-mile network of bunkers and obstacles. The goal was to defend against the inevitable Allied invasion.
4. Before the boats landed, paratroopers spearheaded the invasion. They came from the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne among others.
5. Weather delayed the invasion by one day. However, June 6 had to be the launch date or the invasion would have been delayed another few weeks as the invasion was based around phases of the moon.
6. Omaha beach was the bloodiest. Very few of the landing craft made it to the beach. Allied forces were dropped in the water instead of the beach. A barrage of machine gun fire greeted Allied forces. They had to wade through obstacles, land mines, and barbed wire. When they finally made it across the beach, the sheer size of the cliffs presented further challenges. Casualty estimates are up to 2,400.

A Key Turning Point

D-Day was decisive. It turned the tide of World War II. In less than a year, Nazi Germany would declare unconditional surrender. That day of victory was called V-E day on May 8, 1945. V-E stands for “Victory Europe.”

Today, we remember the legacy of those that fought and died at Normandy. We live in turbulent times. However, D-Day is a moment to pause and reflect.

D-Day is an opportunity to be grateful for the millions of Americans that have been willing to serve their country and put their lives on the line. As highlighted earlier, the human factors were incredible. It is hard to imagine the difficulty of what America’s heroes accomplished. But, they accomplished it nonetheless. And the world is better for it!

Where to Visit

If one has the means, a visit to France is ideal. To actually see the beaches where the Normandy invasion took place is an amazing experience. The row of perfectly aligned white crosses is emotional.

But, if one does not have the time or the means, there is another great option. The National D-Day Memorial is in Bedford, Virginia. Why Bedford? Bedford was made famous for the “Bedford Boys”. The town sustained the most casualties per capita of any town in the United States. With a population of only 3,000 people, nineteen of its citizens were killed on Normandy.

However, COVID-19 is causing some temporary halts in activity. Nevertheless, the D-Day Memorial will open again. In the meantime, the website provides the opportunity to virtually commemorate the 76th Anniversary of D-Day.

Additional Reading and Resources

D-Day by Stephen E. Ambrose

The First Wave: The D-Day Warriors Who Led the Way to Victory in World War II by Alex Kershaw

The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate D-day Sacrifice

The History Channel website

 

Memorial Day is a time once a year when we make a deliberate effort to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by our nation’s Veterans. We salute those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Our lives and the freedom we enjoy would not be possible without their dedication and willingness to die for others.

When I decided to serve, people asked me, “Why?” There were many things that I could have done with a college degree. I could have gone into any profession. But, several quotes kept playing in my head.

First, there was a quote from President Ronald Reagan, who said, “Some people live their whole lives wondering if they made a difference, Marines never have that problem.”

As corny as it sounds, there was an element of truth to me. I have heard many stories from people who “would have joined” or “could not” join for one reason or another. They were always close to joining or they always had something else going on. That was not going to be me. I wanted to be the guy to say proudly, “I served my country in uniform.”

The next quote was one from the Bible. Specifically, when Jesus speaks to his disciples and says, “Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends.”

That quote was powerful because I was deciding to join during a time of war. Servicemen and women were going to Iraq and Afghanistan. Many did not make it back alive. These heroes laid down their life for their country. Everyone who serves has to ask if they are willing to do the same. The answer for me was “yes.”

I am still in the Marine Reserves to this day. There is a chance I could be called up again. If our nation is in a full-scale war then I will probably fight in combat since my primary MOS is infantry. I know that I would still be willing to lay down my life for this great country.

This is why Memorial Day is so important. When we stop paying honor to those who died for this country, than it makes it less likely that others will do the same. If there is no honor in one’s sacrifice, than how can we expect others to feel motivated to serve and be willing to die in the future?

Now, there will be some who serve for sure. But, the bar is extremely low for people on Memorial Day to simply take a moment and thank Veterans for their service, to listen to their stories, and tell them that we honor you and the sacrifice you are willing to make.

With that said, I had the privilege of helping at a Virginia Veterans Care Center in Richmond, VA. With the resources of my company (a service-disabled veteran owned business), we purchased eight iPad stands at the request of the staff. One of the staff members said that with the iPad stands, the Veteran residents would be able to Skype, Zoom or FaceTime with their loved ones for long periods of time. Meanwhile, the staff would not have to hold the iPads, but could instead take care of other Veterans and attend to other needs.

I was excited and proud to make this contribution. It is a small gift. But, my hope is that it will inspire other people to do the same. Many small acts toward our Veterans makes a big difference. It is a great way to say, “Thank you.” It is a great way to honor those who served and to celebrate Memorial Day.

On a warm, sunny September morning in 2019, I walked to the One World Trade Center. During the week, the area around it bustles with activity. The Freedom Tower rises tall and proud near the two Memorial reflecting pools on the 16 acre rebuilt site. These two Memorial pools are located on the spots where the iconic North and South Twin Towers of the original World Trade Center once stood. In remembrance of those killed in the attacks of 2001 and 1993, each one of the 2983 names is inscribed along the Memorial pools.

In an effort to remember the tragic events of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I spent a morning at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Since moving to New York City recently, I had planned on visiting. It seemed appropriate to do so only a few days before the anniversary of those attacks. For anyone living in or visiting NYC, it should be a high priority of places to go. The events of September 11, 2001 re-shaped the entire twenty-first century. The effects of that day reverberate and will continue to do so for generations.

An enduring mission of the 9/11 Museum and Memorial is to educate and tell the story so that future generations will know what happened on that day. It has been eighteen years. Therefore, a population of young adults are coming of age without having lived during 9/11. The Museum and the Memorial exist to serve and to honor those that lost their lives on that day. Furthermore, it captures the human experience, the loss, the heroism, and the triumph of the American and world spirit that arose in the aftermath.

Telling the Story from the Beginning

The 9/11 Museum and Memorial gets crowded early, which I consider a good thing. Therefore, I opted for the early morning tour prior to official hours of operation. I was with a group of about twenty people. Our tour guide was professional and well-versed in re-telling what happened and the history behind it. The story begins with the actual construction of the original Twin Towers. The goal had been an ambitious project to make NYC a great port city and as the name suggests, the center of world trade.

The construction of the World Trade Center and Twin Towers took place in 1973. It was built in lower Manhattan between what is known today as the Financial District and Tribeca. Other landmarks in the neighborhood include Federal Hall, the New York Stock Exchange, Battery Park, and Trinity Church. By the 1980’s, the World Trade Center became profitable, and the original vision of reviving commerce and trade came to fruition.

The financial history of the World Trade Center is key. It was targeted because of the economic prosperity that it not only represented but also contributed to. When the towers were destroyed, many people who were killed worked in the finance industry. Among the worst companies to suffer was Cantor Fitzgerald. In fact, the firm lost more people than any other organization with 658 employees becoming victims of the devastating attacks.

While the World Trade Center represented financial strength, the Pentagon symbolized American military might. Furthermore, Capitol Hill was the intended target of Flight 93, which went down in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The Lead up to 9/11

The history of the World Trade Center includes an attack that took place on February 26, 1993. Six people were killed by a truck bomb placed beneath the North Tower. The Memorial keeps their names and pictures along with the 2977 victims of September 11. While the truck bomb failed to destroy the buildings, our tour guide noted that it did lead to some improved security procedures that may have helped to prevent further loss of life on September 11.

A section of the museum wades into the history and rise of Al-Qaeda, which is Arabic for “the base”. The group emerged from the 1980s emboldened by their fight against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. The Soviet departure from Afghanistan gave Osama bin Laden, their founder and leader, confidence that a small dedicated group could successfully fight against a world superpower. During the first Gulf War, when the U.S. fought Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and in the process liberated Kuwait, Al-Qaeda turned their attention to the United States.

Among many grievances, the terrorist group resented the U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia during and in the wake of the first Gulf War. Furthermore, Al-Qaeda opposed U.S. support for Israel. Finally, Al-Qaeda objected to sanctions that the U.S. imposed on Iraq in the 1990’s. As a result, Osama bin Laden declared war on America in 1996.

While few people in America knew or cared, Al-Qaeda plotted and executed a series of deadly attacks. In 1998, they used truck bombs to attack U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, subsequently killing 224 people. Following-up the embassy bombings was the 2000 attack on the destroyer USS Cole in Yemen. This attack killed 17 Navy sailors.

For more detailed history, I recommend a book called The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 by Lawrence Wright. The book is informative and easy to read.

The Events of the Day

The sky on the morning of September 11, 2001 was bright blue, and cloudless. A picture taken shortly before the attacks looked like a postcard image (see above). It was a regular work day for most people. They traveled via train and subway from outer boroughs, New Jersey, and Long Island. Most people had never heard the name Osama bin Laden. Very few had heard of Al-Qaeda.

That morning nineteen hijackers seized control of four planes. The four aircraft took off from airports on the East Coast bound for the West Coast. This was a deliberate decision by the terrorist plotters to ensure each crash had enough explosive fuel. American Airlines Flight 11 was the first plane to strike the north face of the North Tower at 8:46 am. United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower 17 minutes later at 9:03 a.m.

American Airlines Flight 77 hit the western side of the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. Finally, delays on the Newark Airport runway stalled United Airlines Flight 93. As a result, the other attacks occurred prior to the hijacking of Flight 93. Part of the story of Flight 93 is that the passengers and crew became aware of what was happening as they placed outbound calls from the plane. One of the last audible words was that of Todd Beamer, who said, “Are you ready? Okay. Let’s roll.” With that the passengers and crew charged and attacked the four hijackers. This action ultimately brought the plane down and thwarted a potential strike on the Capitol building. The Museum provides an emotionally gripping story of the heroic actions of the passengers on Flight 93.

Heroes of the Day

The museum and tour provide multiple accounts of heroism on the part of many people. Its exhibits capture the panic, the fear, the chaos, and confusion as well. But, in the midst of the turmoil, there are inspirational stories.

In a city that can feel cold and impersonal, the people of New York united together and became as strong as ever. Clearly, the first responding police, fire fighters, and port authority police deserve recognition for their selflessness and sacrifice. One of the displays recognizes the firefighters of Ladder Company 3. They were led by Captain Patrick “Paddy” Brown, who served as a Marine in Vietnam. He was committed to saving as many people as possible before he was killed.

Another remarkable story is that of Jan Demczur, who was employed as a window washer. He and five other people were stuck in an elevator shaft around the 50th floor of the North Tower. Using his squeegee, Demczur pried open the shaft. He and the other people then took turns hacking at the dry wall that blocked their way out. The trapped passengers eventually made a hole, and managed to escape before the North Tower collapsed.

These stories and others help to highlight some of the extraordinary actions that people took on that day. While the tragedy is real, the American fighting spirit and will to persevere was and remains a marvelous thing.

The Aftermath

The United States received an outpouring of support from many nations. The first part of the 9/11 Museum has a section where people around the world react to the attacks. Each face bears the same shocked expression.

The day changed everyone’s life in some way. Many people remember where they were when it happened. It was and still is the single worst attack by a foreign actor on U.S. soil.

Since that time, U.S. foreign policy has been largely dominated by the War on Terror. The events of this week still bear that out as President Trump called off a meeting with Taliban leaders to discuss peace talks in Afghanistan. The war in Afghanistan remains the longest war in U.S. history. There are currently 14,500 U.S. troops stationed over there.

Additionally, Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the attack, is now dead. A team of elite Navy SEALs killed him in a raid on May 2, 2011. The raid took place at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Thus, marked the end of an exhaustive search to achieve some sense of justice for what happened on 9/11.

Additionally, the toxic fumes from ground zero have caused the deaths of many of the emergency personnel who responded. The fumes caused many forms of cancer, which continues to afflict and take the lives of the first responders. This issue recently came to light prominently with a testimony that Jon Stewart delivered to Congress on behalf of 9/11 first responders. Congress ultimately passed the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

The 9/11 Memorial

It is hard not to walk through the 9/11 Memorial without feeling a rush of emotion. There is a picture for each victim. Most of the pictured faces are smiling and cheerful. The people in them are from different places, ethnic backgrounds, races, and religions. They worked in many industries- some white collar, blue collar, and public service. They were loved by family and friends, and taken from them too soon.

New York is a city with people from all over the world. People come to live and work, and try to make a good living. As I walked from the 9/11 Memorial back outside to the streets of lower Manhattan, I could imagine the faces that I had seen inside smiling in their pictures. I could see them walking these streets once upon a time. Furthermore, I could see them in the faces of the people walking on a September morning in 2019 too.

Today, the Freedom Tower stands large and imposing in the Manhattan skyline. Ground zero has been reborn from the rubble of the attacks. The area stands as a center of commerce and trade again. Eighteen years after the attacks, the memory of those that died endures through the every day actions of those that have returned to work, live, visit, and enjoy the revival of One World Trade Center and the area around it.

The terrorists wanted to destroy America’s way of life. They failed. The American spirit endured. It is as strong today as it was on September 11, 2001. The 9/11 Museum and Memorial do an excellent job reminding us of that. As long as we continue to honor the memory of those that died, recognize the heroism of those that responded, and cherish the unity that it brought to the world and the United States, it will remain strong forever.

In a letter dated June 5, 1944, Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, wrote a touching letter to his wife. He advises her not to take it personally if he doesn’t write for a few days. He says starting on June 6, 1944, he will be going on a “series of trips” that will last 6-10 days.

Let me translate this into modern parlance for the younger readers. Here goes, “Hey babe! Sorry for the late text, didn’t mean to ghost you. Got super busy. Hope we can hang out again soon ; )”

For the older audiences, “ghosting” is essentially when communication drops off without explanation. It typically happens through text messages. Letter writing? That’s a whole different level of bold! Being “ghosted” can suck, and if its a close relationship then it can get a bit personal. In most cases, ghosting your wife would be pretty uncool. However, launching the greatest amphibious raid in modern history to free the world from Nazi oppression… I think the General has a valid excuse. Ike, you’re off the hook!

So what’s the occasion? It’s the 75th anniversary of the Allies invasion and liberation of Normandy. Furthermore, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum recently obtained General Eisenhower’s letter. The Wall Street Journal published it yesterday. It is short, and worth reading. Letters present a trove of valuable information that helps add color to history. In particular, they humanize the people involved. We glorify previous generations and historical figures, and for good reason. Their accomplishments are enormous. But, its also great to remember they are ordinary dudes too. They thought about sports, beer, women, and getting back home. Today, I suppose you could throw Call of Duty and Red Dead Redemption in there.

My definition of heroism is ordinary people stepping up to do extraordinary things. General Eisenhower’s letter reveals that he was “ordinary” in a basic human sense. He loved his wife and cared about his family. On the day before he would lead 155,000 troops ashore at Normandy, he was still worried about ending up in the dog house.

In today’s military, many resources exist for families through “family readiness” programs. More than ever, the military recognizes the importance of taking care of families. Families serve and sacrifice in a different, yet important way. General Eisenhower’s wife would have been very much nervous, fearful, and on edge waiting for word from her husband. Her experience is no different than that of many families and spouses who have had to say goodbye to loved ones throughout the years. In today’s era of constant communication, the pressure can be even harder. Younger generations text and talk instantly. But when they deploy aboard a ship or to a remote part of the world, it becomes more difficult to maintain this type of communication. This can present another layer of stress for younger couples. They should take a cue from the General and be honest and up front about the drop off in communication. It does make a difference.

When studying history, we ask ourselves what would we have done? Could we have measured up? It is hard not to look back 75 years later at the sacrifice and service of the “greatest generation” and wonder these things.

Nevertheless, today’s generation has followed their lead. Stories are coming out from recent conflicts and the current operational theater that show they are up to the challenge. This is good. Every year, the population of World War II veterans shrinks. It is incumbent on today’s generation to carry the torch and maintain their legacy. How can we do this? Reading and studying is great. Especially when the reading in question (i.e. Ike’s letter) takes less than a minute. Constantly preparing physically and mentally is a must. Training and preparation cannot be a cake walk. The human factors of combat are too arduous to take things lightly. The possible enemy threat is too great to stay happy with the status quo.

Today, June 6, 2019, we continue to revere and honor the legacy of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers’ generation by keeping the memory of what they did alive. Seventy-five years after the fact, we can maintain connection with previous generations through service, hard work, and preparation to answer our nation’s call.

To all our veterans, we say thank you! For those continuing to serve, we appreciate your sacrifice and commitment.

Memorial Day. People know it as the unofficial start of summer. The weather is warmer and it seems everyone flocks to beaches, lakes, and other destinations to enjoy family, friends, and, of course, a good BBQ. The majority of workers get Monday off, and the long weekend is a nice break reprieve from long hours at the office.

But, it should go without saying that the weekend and the day represent something greater. The meaning that should be attached to this weekend cannot be overstated. In fact, it needs to be amplified, but not through discounts and store sales. On the other hand, it should be a time for people to ask, “Who do I know that put on the uniform and swore an oath to defend this country and its constitution.” If the answer is no one, then the next question is “How can I meet such a person?”

Remember that this day is about honoring those that made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten. We also thank and celebrate those who continue to serve and have served. 

My suggestion for people looking to embrace the spirit of Memorial Day is to take the time to talk with a veteran or someone currently service. I am not suggesting you need to simply thank them for their service. While saying “thank you” is a fine and respectful gesture, I can say personally that it means more to talk to someone and genuinely listen to them. 

Ask a veteran about their experience. Perhaps they are willing to share. Most are willing. If they are, then listen. What does listening mean? It means taking an interest in what the veteran is saying and relating to you. Why am I saying what seems to be obvious? Because the fact is that most people can’t listen to veterans without trying to interject their own personal history into the conversation. For example, if a veteran says, “I was in the Marine Corps.” Chances are that the person they are talking to will start to rack their brain to think of someone that they know in the Marine Corps. Most veterans know exactly what I am talking about. 

In my personal experience, conversations that I have with non-veterans usually start with “What did you do? Thank you for your service.” However, most of the time, the other person takes the conversation and starts to talk about the people they know or how they wished they served. I believe that it is well meaning. Most people are trying to find some solidarity and common ground. They are trying to relate. But, if you’re not a veteran and you’ve been doing that then I suggest that you tone it down a notch.  

Again, veterans are generally very respectful and humble people. They served and they understand that service has sacrifices. For my part, I knew that serving was not going to be easy. When I got out of active service, it wasn’t any easier. Making a transition to civilian life is tough and a lot of veterans struggle for many reasons. My suggestion to non-veterans who want to establish solidarity and common ground with a veteran is to do them the service of just listening. By listening and trying to understand, you will be greatly serving those that served. In some cases, you will learn something. Ask questions too. Again, most veterans would love to talk and share their experiences.

I find that bridging the civilian-military divide is an important duty that needs to be done in our great country. But, both sides need to work on it. When attempting to bridge the divide, veterans need to be given the platform to speak. After all, they represent a small portion of the population. 

America is the greatest country in the world. Is it perfect? Not always. But, we have an amazing constitution, a powerful economy, and even more powerful military comprised of awesome people. It is thanks to the service and sacrifice of so many people that we are able to live in this great nation and enjoy the liberties that we have. Everyone can do their part to say thanks by having a conversation and listening to those who served.