Remembering a Legendary Marine

Remembering a Legendary Marine 3

Anniversaries can be occasions of both joy and sorrow. On March 2, 2012, 112 Vietnam Veterans came together at the Marine Museum in Quantico, Virginia for an anniversary that was both. They chose that day to honor their captain, the late Colonel John Ripley with a monument, because it was on that … Read more

A Story of Exceptional Valor and Faith

A Story of Exceptional Valor and Faith 1

An old adage states that you only meet two great people in a lifetime. After visiting Col. John W. Ripley (USMC Ret.), I can say I met my first one. As Col. Ripley politely invited my colleagues from Tradition, Family and Property Student Action and me into his office on October 31, … Read more

“Jesus, Mary, Get Me There!”

Capt. John Ripley Vietnam 1972 Dong Ha bridge

Introduction When a society no longer respects and honors the fighting men willing to shed their blood for its principles, the fault lies not with the fighting men but with society itself. Ingratitude is a subtle vice, but a vice nevertheless. Saint Thomas Aquinas says that a debt of gratitude is a … Read more

A Hero Hollywood Will Never Mention

A Case for Moral Courage: How Colonel John Ripley Exemplified the Trait – and What We Can All Learn from Him

Mediocrity and egoism are engrained in the modern world. Heroism, self-sacrifice, and honor are often unwelcome and seldom given the admiration they deserve. After all, we are taught that comfort, security, and personal advancement come first. How many men are willing to go beyond the call of duty for an ideal greater … Read more