I remember, a sky so blue it burned your eyes to look up . . .and smoke that scarred your lungs; I remember shipmates . . . and a piece of notebook paper listing for whom the bell had tolled; We remember that for one brief moment it wasn’t New Yorkers, or Washingtonians, or businessmen…
“We Remember…” With those two, simple and profound words, an extraordinary project was launched three years ago — 2006. Prior to the observance of the 5th anniversary of the attacks by Islamist terrorists on the US, a private citizen had an extraordinary idea of how to memorialize those who were lost. Bringing together members of…
The sun has long since set – but in the darkened, borrowed office I notice little beyond the pale circle of light on the desk in front of me. Before me is list of names, some scratched out, many not. The hand that just hung up the phone is now cradling my head – throbbing…
“We claim this hallowed ground for peace and for healing. We claim it in affirmation of our strongest belief as a people: that every life is precious.” – Robert S. Gates, Sept 11, 2008 An unbelievable and memorable day – and those words hardly do justice. I was there for the re-dedication ceremony of the…
Some number of years ago I had the honor of making the acquaintance of a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor. A young seaman then stationed on the battleship Nevada, he related his story, his memories. And as he talked about the aching beauty of that peaceful Sunday morning – of standing at quarters…
For those not so inclined to leap with both feet into the full Appropriations Bills (regular, continuing and sustaining minus the funds for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan), here is a Congressional Research Service study of current Defense Authorization and Appropriations bills with analysis of some of the more important parts (like shipbuilding – pg…
Interesting proposal in the most recent Joint Forces Quarterly centers on abolishing the position of Secretary of Defense and OSD. The full article is here. Salient points include: The office has too broad a span of control; JCS advice is too often limited or distorted; It has proved to be a source of unending conflict within…
We Remember… September 11, 2007
“We Remember…” With those two, simple and profound words, an extraordinary project was launched last year (2006). Prior to the observance of the 5th anniversary of the attacks by Islamist terrorists on the US, a private citizen had an extraordinary idea of how to memorialize those who were lost. Bringing together members from the blogging community…
Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood Upon the chaos dark and rude, And bid its angry tumult cease, And give, for wild confusion, peace; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! Yesterday, we remembered those we lost in the Navy Operations Center (NOC) who were from…
