USO Canteen FReeper Style....Liberty R&R Goes to Virginia Join Us .......July 6,2002

Aquamarine and Snow Bunny

[Snow Bunny]

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Monticello.......Thomas Jefferson’s home

The Blueridge Mountians of Virginia

Virginia Beach

The wonderful Daffodil Festival in Gloucester, Virginia

Music performed by the Fifes and Drums of Colonial Williamsburg. Tap your toes to the exhilarating martial music that marked the routine of military troops during the 18th century and sent the patriots marching into battle.

A large area of the town of Williamsburg consists of buildings preserved from Colonial times, i.e. from before the Declaration of American Independence in 1776.

Think of the Williamsburg Area... and the images that come to mind are...

`Small Town' Colonial Life...

the Search for American Independence...

the Model for Democracy used throughout the world.

Enjoy a 'Cold One' in the same Taverns where the likes of Tommy Jefferson and Patrick ("Give me liberty, or give me death") Henry, argued over the fate of a super power's Colony… and their lives.

College of William & Mary - Second oldest Institution of Higher Education in the Nation… with today, Graduates from all over the world. There is where Thomas Jefferson and some of his buddies went to school.

Don't forget to ask about the friendly ghost that's been dropping by the Wren Building for several Centuries.

College of William & Mary... which was the school to young law students like Thomas Jefferson.

The second oldest institution of higher learning in the United States... William & Mary began the Honor Society that was based on individual Responsibility... as well as the Phi Beta Kappa Society... which recognized and acknowledged individual Excellence.

The College's Wren Building, was constructed in 1695.

Williamsburg Historic District - the political and intellectual Capitol of England's colony in the New World. Where the ideas and ferment originated for the modern concept of Democracy now used throughout the world. Authentic reconstruction's, shows, exhibits, interpreters. Referred to as the 'Largest Living Museum in the World'.

It was here that the colonists (and their `legislators' who were permitted to make recommendations to the King)... began to understand that they did not have to be ruled by a foreign power... but could manage their own country under rules which they themselves developed by community consensus (discussions and voting).

Walk through and actually dine in the same Taverns... where the arguments took place between the `Crown Loyalists'... and the `Revolutionaries'... and where the concepts that became the America Constitution were discussed by the likes of George Washington and Patrick Henry ("Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death").

Then let's take a little trip over to Yorktown.

Yorktown is still the small little village on the York River where a Revolution ended… setting the stage for a New American Nation to begin.

Yorktown may be a tiny village, but it's important in American history because the definitive battle of the American Revolution was won by George Washington there in 1781. After Lord Cornwallis surrendered his huge army to the American and French allies on October 19, 1781, Britain soon appealed for peace. As a result, the 13 colonies emerged into the United States of America.

We can’t forget a visit to Jamestown.......the first English Settlement in the 'New World'… now some 400 years old. See authentic replicas of the boats that crossed the ocean seeking religious freedoms and opportunities.

Th time in sheer wonderment at the resolve and fears of men, women and children crossing an Ocean in a Susan B. Constant... a small boat that today, seems like an oversize mini van.

Roughly 400 years ago, on December 20, 1606, three merchant ships loaded with passengers and cargo embarked from England on a voyage that would later set the course of American history.

The Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery reached Virginia in the spring of 1607, and on May 14, their 104 passengers all men and boys began building on the banks of the James River what was to be America's first permanent English colony, predating Plymouth in Massachusetts by 13 years.

[Aquamarine]

Good morning COB.
Here is a sad link......Tuskegee Airmen leader Davis dies.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[lodwick]

Great R&R saturday to all who visit here.

Happy Birthday Mr.President

[lodwick]

Morning sir. They're probably saving the best...for last. ;-)
Kinda like desert.

[lodwick]

Patriots in training

[COB1]

Thanks for the link, Aqua.
I've read about him.
Another hero has fallen.

"As commander of the 332nd Fighter Group, Davis and his pilots escorted bombers on 200 air combat missions over Europe during World War II."

[Aquamarine]

Important Independence Day history:

OUR NATION'S GODLY HERITAGE
Many Americans aren't aware of the amazing fact that two of our most prominent Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826, fifty years after the original Declaration of Independence. The contributions each man made to the quest for independence and the shaping of the new nation have been well documented. But many still question the Christian faith of the Founding Fathers and the impact of their faith on the world in which they lived. Consider this excerpt from the obituary of President John Adams in which the writer credits God for the vision, talents and passion of John Adams: "Had he been permitted by the Being to whom he owed his existence, who endowed him with great talents, and kept him in that course of irreproachable virtue and honor which has rendered his memory immortal, to select the time when his disembodied spirit should take its flight, he would probably have chosen the very moment when a whole nation were employed in celebrating the glorious result of patriotism, when his name, and those of his compatriots, was upon the lips of ten millions of people, and the voice of gratitude and joy was resounding throughout the whole of the American Republic.

Adams' final words were reported to be, "It is a great and glorious day."

[COB1]

Here is a post that TexanaRed made last night:

TexanaRed Tells About Her Ordeal With the Flood Waters

[HiJinx]

While in Virginia, you'll definitely want to visit our Nation's Capitol and the Smithsonian Institution. The SI Museum of American History is currently running a display of patriotic covers from magazines published during the Forties.

On the Covers:
In July 1942, magazines across the nation displayed the American flag on their covers. Browse the covers by theme in the MAGAZINE COVER GALLERY. Find out which covers judges selected as AWARD-WINNING DESIGNS. Explore the online collection of nearly 300 titles when you SEARCH THE COVERS!

[SpookBrat]

George is such a babe. I love the guy. Thanks for that great picture.

Going to the beach. See y'all later.

[lodwick]

Thanks for the Texana link Cobby - it's appreciated.

[redhead]

Hi, Snowbie, darlin'! We just got home from a nice Latin Mass, a jovial breakfast with friends (including our priest), and are sweltering already. It's 1030am and it's 86 degrees, with 66% humidity and 74 degree dewpoint. Plumb STEAMY. Gorgeous VIRGINIA! Such a pretty place. Thanks for another beautiful thread, kiddo. ((((Snow Bunny))))

[SAMWolf]

Another wonderful post Linda. Thanks.

[SAMWolf]

Robert Edward Lee
(1807-1870)

"With all my devotion to the Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home. I have therefore resigned my commission in the Army, and save in defense of my native State, with the sincere hope that my poor services may never be needed, I hope I may never be called on to draw my sword....." Lee in a letter to his sister, April 20, 1861

For some the man Robert E. Lee is an almost god like figure. For others he is a paradox. Robert E. Lee was born on January 19, 1807 at Stratford, Virginia. Robert was the fourth child of a Revolutionary War hero Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee and Ann Hill Carter Lee. Young Robert, the son, was raised mostly by his mother. From her he learned patience, control, and discipline. As a young man he was exposed to Christianity and accepted its faith. In contrast to the strong example of his mother Robert saw his father go from failed enterprise to failed enterprise. In part the young Robert was led to try harder and succeed.

Robert was accepted to the United States Military Academy and graduated 2nd in his class. But perhaps greater than his academic success was his record of no demerits while being a cadet which today has still not been equaled. Following his graduation Lee, like most top classmen, was given a commission as an engineer. Lt. Lee helped build the St. Louis waterfront and worked on coastal forts in Brunswick and Savannah. It was during this time he married Mary Custis the granddaughter of George Washington and Martha Custis Washington.

In 1845 the War between U.S. and Mexico erupted. General Winfield Scott, overall U.S. Army commander, attached Captain Robert E. Lee to his staff. Lee was intrusted with the vital duties of mapping out the terrain ahead, dividing the line of advance for the U.S. troops, and in one case leading troops into battle. Lee was learning skills he would need 16 years later. There in Mexico Lee also met, worked with, and got a chance to evaluate many of those he would later serve with and against; James Longstreet, Thomas J. Jackson, George Pickett, and U.S. Grant.

Following the Mexican War Lee returned to service as an army engineer. He spent most of this time near Washington D.C. and moved into Custis mansion (now overlooking the Arlington Cemetery). Thus was Colonel Lee was available for duty to put down a believed rebellion at Harper Ferry, Virginia the site of a United States Arsenal. Colonel Lee, and a young aide Lt. JEB Stuart, and a detachment of U.S. marines, were rushed by train to Harper's Ferry where they were able to capture radical abolitionist John Brown and his followers.

Brown's attempt seemed to confirm all the worst fears of the deep south and when Abraham Lincoln was elected President South Carolina seceded and was quickly followed by 6 more deep southern states: Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The old warrior General Winfield Scott asked Colonel Robert E. Lee to take command of the United States Army to put down the rebellion.

Lee, however, offered his services to the newly elected President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis. Mr. Davis accepted them and Lee was made a general in CSA service. At first General Lee was more or less advisor to President Davis and the Secretary of War.

General Lee's first campaign in what was to become West Virginia was less than a success. Command of the Eastern Army was divided between the hero of Fort Sumpter, P.G.T. Beauregard, and Joe Johnston who together won the first big battle of the East -- Bull Run (Manassas). Thus Joe Johnston was in command when George B. McClellan started his march on Richmond. When Johnston went down with wounds it was easy for Davis to replace him with General R.E. Lee who immediately took charge and attacked, trying to make up for his numbers with his audacity. In a series of continuous battles known as the 7 Days Battle Lee forced McClellan to retreat.

Thus began the career of the Army of Northern Virginia which rose and fell with Lee's star. His boldness and grasp of strategy made him more than a match for every General President Lincoln sent against him until U.S. Grant defeated him through the Battle of Attrition.

Lee's greatest victory was the Battle of Chancellorsville in May of 1863. Lee was faced with a larger army led by fighting Joe Hooker. Lee and his most trusted lieutenant, Gen. Stonewall Jackson, divided their forces and through a forced march around General Hooker fell on his exposed flank, rolling it up, and defeating the union forces yet again.

This victory led Lee and Davis to consider a second invasion of the North. Lee's army would hopefully bring the Federal forces to bay and destroy them. They would then march on Washington to hand Lincoln a letter asking for recognition of the CSA. So with desperate hopes, and while still mourning the loss of Stonewall Jackson, Lee and Davis crossed the river and invaded Pennsylvania.

The greatest land battle in the Western Hemisphere was fought at Gettysburg, Pa., on July 1, 2, & 3. The Army of Northern Virginia led by Lee, and the Army of the Potomac led by newly appointed General George Meade, hammered each other. On the 3rd day of battle General Lee hoping to end the war ordered the great frontal assault popularly known as Pickett's Charge. After the failure of the attack General Lee blamed only himself, but Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia fought on for 2 more years. General Lee surrendered at Appomatox Court House on April 9, 1865. This effectively brought the American Civil War to an end as other Confederate field commanders followed Lee's example

Following the war Lee was almost tried as a traitor, but was only left with his civil rights suspended. Lee was offered the post of President of Washington University where he served until his death in 1870. The school was later renamed Washington and Lee. As a final note President Gerald Ford had Lee's citizenship restored.

[lodwick]

Thanks for this Lee post - good job. JL

[Pippin]

Good Afternoon/Morning, Everybody! Snw, Love this thread of Virginia! BTW, Since Y'All are in the neighborhood, Why don't y'all come on up to Baltimore? Just a short drive from Richmond. I'll have the steamed crabs and cold beer ready for you!

Seriousely, though, I think Virginia is a very beautiful place. I love the mountians and the farmlands, and the history practacilly in my back yard! =^)

May God Bless you all!

God bless the troops both active and veterans, especially the troops from Virginia!

God bless President Bush.

Bod Bless America!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT!

LET'sROLL!!!

[SAMWolf]

Your Welcome.

Real hard for me to think about Virginia and not think about Robert E. Lee.

The two go together.

[SAMWolf]

Morning CS.

[Pippin]

Morning,SAM!