Ross Dunfee “Soldier, put those bodies in the graves and get them buried.” “Sargent, what names should I put on each of the grave markers?” “I don’t know. For now, just mark it Unknown.” This conversation has occurred throughout many wars around the world. Identifying and repatriating the deceased is a logistical nightmare. It is…
Tag Archive for SOT
Generals, September 2022
U.S. Military History
U.S. Flag Folding—Part 1 of 2 Ross Dunfee While not officially adopting a flag at the time of the Declaration of Independence, the “Continental Colors” (aka the “Grand Union” flag), has historically been referred to as the first national flag of the United States. That flag has a striking resemblance to the British East India…
Features, August 2022
U.S. Military History: The Star-Spangled Banner
Ross Dunfee At the outset of the 19th century, Great Britain was locked in a long and bitter conflict with Napoleon Bonaparte’s France. Both France and Great Britain attempted to block the United States from trading with the other, and restrict the USA from westward expansion. Beginning in 1812, Napoleon began to encounter the first…
Features, July 2022
Military History: Women in War
Ross Dunfee Women have been participants in war since time began. In colonial days women used firearms to protect home, property, and loved ones. During the Revolution, Civil War, World Wars, and multiple other skirmishes, women often fought quietly alongside male comrades, but not as part of the uniformed services. During WWII able-bodied men were…
Features, November 2021
U.S. Marines—Flag and Seal, Song, and Motto
Flag and Seal: Marines used the Grand Union flag, and possibly the Gadsden flag (yellow flag with a “Don’t Tread on Me” rattlesnake), during the assault on New Providence Island, Bahamas, March 3, 1776. During the 1830s/1840s, the flag consisted of a gold-fringed white field centered with an eagle and anchor with “To the Shores of…
Features, July 2021
U.S. Military History: Independence Day
Ross Dunfee The first successful English colony settled in America was at Jamestown, Va., in 1607—and the migration was on—primarily of British, German, and Dutch extraction, but immigrants arrived from throughout Europe. Communities were settled and financed primarily by privately-organized British settlers or families using free enterprise without any significant English royal or Parliamentary government…
Features, June 2021
U.S. Military History: D-Day
Ross Dunfee So, what does the “D” stand for in D-Day? Stop! Do not keep reading until you attempt to answer the question. Okay, now you can read on. Most people who celebrate the holiday do not know the answer. Some people believe it is in reference to June 6, 1944, when, in World War…
Religion, May 2021
U.S. Military History: Memorial Day
Ross Dunfee The killing was over. The four-year-long Civil War officially ended at Appomattox, Va., April 9, 1865. There was a large division between the northern states (largely industrial) and the southern states (largely agrarian) over slavery, states’ rights, and westward expansion. The election of Lincoln was the last straw, and by one month after…
Features, April 2021
U.S. Military History: Armed Forces Day
Ross Dunfee Armed Forces Day is celebrated May 15 this year, but with Memorial Day also in May, this Armed Forces Day article is printed in April to avoid printing two articles in May. Clip and save. Each of the branches of military service (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard) has a day…
Features, March 2021
U.S. Military History: Vietnam Veterans Day
Ross Dunfee When did the Vietnam War begin? France maintained colonial rule of Vietnam from 1864 until the Geneva Accords of 1954. During that time, multiple wars occurred in the area (including Cambodia and Laos). The Geneva Accords divided Vietnam into north (Communist rule) and south (the Republic of Vietnam), and that enticed the U.S.…