Happy Birthday and Thank You!

This is a special dedication to two groups of people that I know very well: Veterans and Marines. I would first like to take this chance to say Happy Birthday Marines!!! It all started on November 10th 1775 and has continued to this very day. This year marks 223 years of valiant, dedicated service to the United States and it's people. Ronald Reagan said of the Marines: "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference, the Marines don't have that problem". For 223 years when America needed her Marines to answer the call to protect it's freedom Marines have answered that call "in every climb and place". I spent 15 years in this glorious organization and I can honestly tell you that those were the best years of my life. I met some of the bravest, toughest, humorous and intelligent people that I have ever encountered within the ranks of the Marines. The tradition that was started all those years ago lives on today in every Marine or former Marine because there is no such thing as an ex-Marine. No matter when you served, what your rank or what your occupation was, when you meet another Marine you are brothers. This has been, is now and will continue to be the "finest fighting force the world has ever seen"! To the Devil dogs, Leathernecks and Jarheads out there, Semper Fi Marines!!!

To all my fellow veterans out there I also give a hearty thank you to you as well. Whether you are still in or are retired or you did your time and got out, you're still a vet and that's something to be proud of. In this world where we face uncertain challenges from numerous enemies abroad, I for one am thankful that we still have young men and women that are willing to answer the call. I have chewed some of the same dirt that you are chewing now depending on where you are and I feel safer here at home knowing you are on duty. In modern day America there are far too many who choose to slander and blame you for simply doing your job and I know sometimes it can be rough. However, you must know that the LARGE majority of us here in America still love and appreciate and thank God for your sacrifice. So this Veteran's Day I raise a glass in toast to all of those who have ever worn the uniform. Here's to the best America has to offer! Here, here!!

The Death of a Legend

The world lost a big one today: Charlton Heston. You know, Moses!! That iconic figure from the Old Testament that led God's people out of Egypt; the Great Exodus. He wasn't really Moses of course but when I think of Charlton Heston I think of that great epic movie: The Ten Commandments so to me he will always be Moses. At the age of 84 he passed from this world into the next. There aren't many like him around anymore. He was a man's man. I would put him the same category with other such great men as John Wayne, Ronald Reagan and William F. Buckley. Where are the new men that will take their places? These men lived and loved with a voracious appetite for life but they also did it with dignity. They were from another era though where honor, dignity and courage were everywhere. Sadly, as these giants disappear from our landscape so do their ideals. Charlton Heston was married for 64 years and he was one of the biggest celebrities of his day. Sean Connery has also been married to the same woman for decades as well. You would be hard pressed to find a marriage in Hollywood these days that will last more than a few years. These men understood that being an actor was a JOB, not your life. In modern day Hollywood actor's think of themselves as the privileged in society and expect us all to serve them. Both Heston and Reagan also gave more to the country than most while serving as head of the NRA or as President of the United States respectively. They felt a sense of duty to their country and they also felt blessed to be living in such a free and wonderful land. If you ask most in Hollywood today, with the exception of a handful of "outsiders", they will tell you everything that is wrong with the U.S. and how we are a terrible country. Oh but how times have changed. On this day though we should honor a great man for all of his many accomplishments but also for the way he blessed us with his talent for so many years. God keep you Mr Heston, you will be missed.