First he was first in war
When a friend questioned why we honored the military on July 4 when the day was about “about US independence and the wonderful aspects of the American experiment,” I replied:
Well, without the military, there’s be no US independence nor any American experiment for that matter. Remember, he was General Washington before he was President Washington. It was his success on the battlefield that made him first in war so he could later become both first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.
The martial leadership that General Washington showed, both in achieving the victories which followed the crossing depicted above and in managing the defeats his armies faced against a better equipped and trained military than his rag-tag militia not only earned him the acclaim he enjoyed among his compatriots, but also allowed our nation to fulfill the promise that Thomas Jefferson so beautifully articulated in the Declaration of Independence, the promise Mr. Jefferson’s fellows in the Continental Congress ratified 235 years ago today.
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If you have Comcast digital cable, Washington the Warrior, which focuses on George Washington’s military career, is available as one of the free videos featured on their On Demand service. At least is in my area. I don’t know if they have some regional differences in their lines ups.
You can find it under Specials in the History Channel International section. Yep, International, not he standard History Channel.
Comment by Thulsa Doom — July 4, 2011 @ 1:36 am - July 4, 2011
It’s also equally important that we, and the Military, remember that the Continental Army officer-corps stood-down at-least twice following the example of the American Cincinnatus in the face of grave crisis and great temptation. Except in the twisted-minds of Liberal Hollywood, and perhaps of Gen. Curtis LeMay, that tradition has been observed in remarkable fidelity for over two centuries….even when the politicians and chattering class forget.
Comment by Ted B. (Charging Rhino) — July 4, 2011 @ 2:15 am - July 4, 2011
[...] First he was first in war [...]
Pingback by GayPatriot » Celebrating an ndependence won with George Washington’s Sword, John Adams’s Voice and Mr. Jefferson’s Pen — July 4, 2011 @ 4:07 am - July 4, 2011
Well said!!!
Comment by Rational Nation USA — July 4, 2011 @ 9:17 am - July 4, 2011
Someone doesn’t know much about history, i.e. what it took to make U.S. independence real. Nor about the contemporary world, i.e. to whom he or she owes her continued freedom (such as it is) today.
All the more reason to emphasize the military on this day, then: People need the education.
Comment by ILoveCapitalism — July 4, 2011 @ 10:37 am - July 4, 2011
Your post reminded me of this poster. While humorous, it is also accurate (more or less) and a reminder that war, while always horrible, is sometimes necessary.
On the other hand, I’m not sure what the hell we’re doing in Libya. ..bruce..
Comment by bfwebster — July 4, 2011 @ 11:22 am - July 4, 2011
The Battles of Trenton on December 25th surprising Hessian mercenaries and at Princeton on December 26th were the turning points in the War for Independence which has given us the freedoms we enjoy today. Visiting the east, should include a visit to Washington Crossing Parks (Pa. & NJ) and a three mile ride to Trenton to visit the Old Barracks, three blocks from center city and in the shadow of the State House. .
Comment by Roberto — July 4, 2011 @ 1:18 pm - July 4, 2011