All this is very beautiful, but there is something even more beautiful that they asked me to make explicit. But what can I say? Infinite things are ineffable. The pulchrum [beauty] of an ideal is reflected in the soul of the one who fights for it. Take, for example, Saint Joan of … Read more
One of the most earthshaking decisions of our country in 2015 occurred on December 3, when Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter declared that all combat jobs would become open to women with “no exceptions.” While it is horrible enough that women will be exposed to the horrors of war, the shock waves … Read more
We need to define what we mean by epopee and the epic spirit well. Epopee is the marvelous, not only the aesthetic marvelous but the marvelous placed in battle array and exposed to risk, even imminent risk. Epopee is the marvelous of heroism. From this one can infer what the epic spirit … Read more
On the eve of the Marine Corps’ 237th birthday, November 9, TFP members, supporters and friends gathered to celebrate the outstanding service and sacrifice of its military heroes. The event was graced by the distinguished presence of decorated war hero and Navy Cross recipient, Col. Gordon Batcheller, USMC (Ret.)The virtue of honor was the … Read more
Saint George was a martyr, a patron of England and suffered at or near Lydda, also known as Diospolis, in Palestine probably before the time of Constantine. According to the very careful investigation of the matter instituted by Father Delehaye, the previous statement sums up all that can safely be affirmed about … Read more
As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the destruction of the Dong Ha Bridge, our thoughts naturally turn to Colonel John Ripley, the man at the center of the story. Norman Fulkerson, author of An American Knight, reflects on what made Ripley such a larger-than-life figure — and why we should emulate … Read more
""""[vc_column_text]The fifth Call to Chivalry camp for fathers and sons was held from July 10–17 once again on the beautiful Cistercian grounds of Mount Saint Joseph’s Abbey in Roscrea, County Tipperary. As in previous years, the camp was filled with engaging talks, exciting games, outings, lively conversation and above all daily reception … Read more
June 29, 2010 would have been the 71st Birthday of Colonel John Ripley. Although he is no longer with us, his memory, as Mary Susan Goodykoontz says so well in this book review of An American Knight, will live on forever. “While the world knew my brother John as a Navy Cross … Read more
""[vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]An American Knight: The Life of Col. John W. Ripley, USMC Written by Norman J. Fulkerson ISBN: 978-1-877905-41-4 Hardcover bound, 218 pages with 33 illustrations $14.95 Order today from The American TFP’s online store: https://store.tfp.org/products/An-American-Knight-%28Hard-Cover%29.html[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]""""[vc_column_text]There are plenty of books that tell the soldier’s story and take the reader beyond … Read more
“If a young officer or Marine ever asks what is the meaning of Semper Fidelis,” Col. Ripley once told a friend, “tell them my story.” Purchase your copy now This first cradle-to-grave biography of Col. John W. Ripley by Norman Fulkerson provides readers with the complete story about a great man who … Read more