Today marks the 9th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Nine years. It seems like a long time ago, but for those that lost loved ones, friends and family it will never seem that way.
I try to stay out of political rhetoric and religion on ITS, and today I’m going to do my best. All I’m going to ask today is for everyone out there that may read this post, to reflect on where you were on 9/11. How it made you feel, and what this nation lost. Next, I’m going to ask that you take that perspective and apply it towards what’s currently going on in New York and the ramifications of what might potentially happen. [Read More…]
In our last look at Old Glory, we presented A Patriotic Look at the U.S. Flag Code. Today, we’d like to follow up that article with how to properly retire a U.S. Flag.
If you look into the Flag Code, you’ll find that the only mention of retiring a flag is to “Always dispose of a worn flag properly, preferably by burning it.” The rest is up to interpretation and people’s beliefs.
In our opinion, there’s really not a wrong way to retire a flag other than doing so with respect. What we’ll show you today is a flag retirement ceremony that my son’s Boy Scout troop recently conducted and some other ways that have been known to retire flags. [Read More…]
We were recently contacted by one of our Plank Owners, who is a Firefighter in Tennessee, about an event honoring the 343 Firefighters who fell on September 11th, 2001.
The Inaugural Nashville Memorial Stair Climb, taking place in Nashville, TN on 9/11/10, will include 343 Active Firefighters climbing 110 stories in full turnout gear w/ airpacks and tools in memory their fallen brothers in the attacks. Badges will also be given to these men with the name of one of their fallen.
This event allows Firefighters to share in a special event to show each other and the rest of the world that the sacrifice made by fellow Firefighters will never be forgotten.
100% of Registration Fees will go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, who is hosting the event and will be collecting donations there as well. Check out the event Website for further details.
We’d like to take this opportunity to remember our friend, Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (SEAL) Marc A. Lee, who fell 4 years ago today in Ramadi.
Lee was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his brave and unselfish actions on a Ramadi rooftop. As stated in his award citation, Lee was conducting clearance operations in south-central Ramadi with members of a Naval Special Warfare Combat Advisory element. [Read More…]
In honor of the Declaration of Independence adoption on July 4th, 1776, we thought it fitting to not only talk about the historical significance of this date, but of the long road to our country’s independence.
“The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the hearts and minds of the people.”
– Former President John Adams, 1818
The following article is a long but great read. It’s taken from the U.S. Department of State publication, Outline of American History. [Read More…]
I distinctly remember the news circulating around the Naval Special Warfare Center on June 28th, 2005, that four SDV SEALs were missing following a SR (Special Reconnaissance) mission in North Eastern Afghanistan.
Later that day I also learned of a downed MH-47 Chinook carrying a QRF (Quick Reaction Force) of 8 SEALs and 8 Night Stalkers attempting a rescue mission. It was a bone chilling realization that I had just heard about the greatest loss of life the community had seen since WWII.
It briefly flashed me back to the events of September 11th, as I had many of the same feelings of wanting to do something, but being unable to. All I could do is stand by for further news of the tragedy.
Everyone in the office I was stationed at huddled around the computers and telephones eagerly awaiting news of the four missing SEALs. By the end of the day that Tuesday, we still had no confirmation that any of the four SEALs had survived. [Read More…]
Hopefully all you Dad’s out there are getting some much deserved rest this Father’s Day.
What we’d like to know here at ITS is if you gave or received any Tacti-cool Father’s Day gifts?
While the holiday is more about thanking Dad for keeping your ass out of trouble all these years, gifts definitely make it easier for Dad to deal with your screwed up life!
Not only is it Flag Day here in the United States, but it’s also the 235th birthday of the United States Army!
In case you’re not sure what Flag Day is, June 14 commemorates the adoption of our flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
While not a federal holiday, Flag Day was officially established in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. National Flag Day was then established by an Act of Congress in 1949.
Fly your flags high today America, and pay tribute to all those fighting for it!
While you’re celebrating this weekend during the Memorial Day Holiday, please take the time to remember those that have fought and died for all that we have as a nation.
There may be turmoil and unrest within our country, but our veterans and service members continue to fight for our safety, protection and freedom. Thank someone this weekend for all they’ve sacrificed to allow us to spend this time with our families, and don’t forget those who can’t be with us.
Let’s all virtually visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier this weekend, while the Commander-in-Chief is on vacation in Chicago.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
We’ve been repeating this pledge since grade school, but have you ever taken the time to analyze what each part truly means?
The Boy Scouts have, and below you’ll find their translation for each part of the Pledge. [Read More…]
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