As Americans prepared to celebrate our nation’s independence, a large group of mourners gathered at the West Virginia State Capitol building to bid their final farewells to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Hershel Woodrow Williams. “Woody,” as he was affectionately known by family and friends, passed away on June 29, 2022, at the … Read more
In turbulent times like ours, examples of heroism can be uplifting. This is why you should know the story of United States Marine PFC Douglas Dickey. This young man who sacrificed his life to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War is not well known. His story is particularly compelling since he … Read more
John Canley knew he wanted to be a Marine when he was only thirteen years old. He and his older brother L.J. went to see the movie Sands of Iwo Jima starring John Wayne. He left the theater transformed. What moved him most was the scene of the marines raising the American … Read more
Honor is a virtue that falls under the category of justice, which demands that we give to each what is his due. Thus, we get the expression “to honor someone.” This is what the citizens of Gainesville, Texas—named after War of 1812 Gen. Edmund Gaines—have been doing every year since 2000 with … Read more
The Annual Veterans Conference put on by the American Veterans Center is always a special event, dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of our brave servicemen. They did not fail once again to put on a splendid event this November 9-11. “Dear Jesus, Please Forgive my Sins, so I Can Go … Read more
The federal government failed us all on June 28th, and in more ways than one. Days before Americans celebrated the anniversary of our nation’s hard-fought independence, the Supreme Court of the United States declared unconstitutional the Stolen Valor Act. Overshadowed by its decision to uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act … Read more
“For those who fought for it,” said an unknown soldier, “freedom has a meaning the protected will never know.” A collection of military giants who fought for freedom convened in Washington, D.C. for the 14th Annual Veterans Conference, put on by the American Veterans Center. Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen from the … Read more
September 4, 1967, Quong Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam. A routine, pre-dawn, sweeping operation by a Marine company was turning into a major battle with a large force of the North Vietnamese Army. Three additional companies of Marines were committed. Fr. Vincent Capodanno, M.M. was granted permission to accompany the reinforcements, as … Read more
In the early morning hours of November 9, 1967, as American artillery and aircraft pounded an 875-meter-high hill near Dak To, Vietnam, Fr. Charles Watters offered Mass at its base. Many Protestants joined the Catholics for the well-attended service. Soon, the chaplain would accompany these paratroopers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade as … Read more
""""[vc_column_text] “Mrs. O’Callahan, your son is the bravest man I ever saw.” What went through this mother’s mind as she listened to Capt. Leslie Gehres, commander of the USS Franklin? Her son did not fit the stereotypical image of a hero. He was more scholarly than athletic, more likely pictured in front … Read more