A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....10-14-02

dansangel, Billie

[dansangel]

A Few of FR's Finest.....
......Every Day

FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues;  salute
and support our military and our leaders;  tell a few jokes;  learn a new
word;  write poetry;  pray for those in need;  and congratulate those who
are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which
we can express ourselves.

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.  I
can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. The forum is read daily by tens of thousands
of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete
MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet

MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga

BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette

MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid

BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP

MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian

BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68

MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack

                     

Molly Pitcher Freeper since February 9, 1999

I visited Molly Pitcher's profile page before beginning this tribute to her. It was there that I discovered that there may actually have been an historical figure by the same name. Curious, I did a search on the Internet and came up with the following information from "The Story of Molly Pitcher" on the Wainright Army Website:

The Story of Molly Pitcher

An artillery wife, Mary Ludwig Hays (better known as Molly Pitcher) shared the rigors of Valley Forge with her husband, John Hays. Her actions during the battle of Monmouth (28 June 1778) became legendary. That day at Monmouth was as hot as Valley Forge was cold. Someone had to cool the hot guns and bathe parched throats with water.

Across that bullet-swept ground, a striped skirt fluttered. Mary Ludwig Hays was earning her nickname "Molly Pitcher" by bringing pitcher after pitcher of cool spring water to the exhausted and thirsty men. She also tended to the wounded and once, heaving a crippled continental soldier up on her strong young back, carried him out of reach of hard-charging Britishers. On her next trip with water she found her ex-artilleryman husband back with the guns again, replacing a casualty. While she watched, Hays fell Wounded. The piece, its crew now too depleted to serve it, was about to be withdrawn. Without hesitation, Molly stepped forward and took the rammer staff from her fallen husband's hands. For the second time on an American battlefield, a woman manned a gun. (The first was Margaret Corbin during the defense of Fort Washington in 1776). Resolutely, she stayed at her post in the face of heavy enemy fire, ably acting as a matross (gunner).

For her heroic role, General Washington himself issued her a warrant as a noncommissioned officer. Thereafter, she was widely hailed as "Sergeant Molly". A flagstaff and cannon stand at her gravesite at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. A sculpture on the battle monument commemorates her courageous deed.

Now, fast-forward through history about 220 years. Close your eyes and picture that day in 1998 when a large number of boxes of evidence were collected by Ken Starr's staff and delivered to the Capitol. This was the first time our very own Molly Pitcher lurked on and eventually posted to Free Republic. As Molly herself describes that first experience with FR, "It was addiction, er, love at first sight! Free Republic became my 'port in the storm' in the waning Clinton years."

Molly Pitcher follows in the footsteps of her father who "battled Dems and liberals all of his life." His legacy of political activism began during the 1930's in corrupt Louisiana. His battle continued on the Gulf Coast of Texas and culminated in becoming a Republican Precinct Chairman in suburban Chicago.

Molly Pitcher's earliest Free Republic activism involved making phone calls and writing letters during the Fall 1998 House Judiciary Committee hearings. Later, in July 1999, she joined the DC FReepers at the White House. "It may have been 100 degrees," she recalls, "but it was FUN!"

Molly Pitcher describes herself as being strongly pro-Second Amendment and pro-life. She favors a small government, low taxes and a mighty national defense. This more than qualifies her as being "conservative."

There are other important interests that Molly Pitcher has that "dominate and animate" her life. Among those, she lists her family, her faith, classical music, art, history, books and last, but in no way the least...baseball!

Molly and a friend engaged in spirited conversation

Perhaps you are one of the fortunate FReepers that has had the privilege of meeting Molly Pitcher. She says that it is always "a joy to meet other dedicated FReepers." She has accomplished just that by attending last Winter's CPAC and last Fall's Free Republic Cruise. She has also met fellow FReepers when traveling through their hometowns.

At times, she has met other FReepers as they have passed through her hometown, as well. The modern-day Molly Pitcher calls Akron, OH her home. This is not all that far from the historical Molly Pitcher's home in Pennsylvania.

Molly Pitcher, the FReeper embodies the spirit of Molly Pitcher, the soldier. Each is/was dedicated to her country and to maintaining the freedoms and principals upon which it stands.

In closing, Molly Pitcher wanted to express her gratitude to Free Republic founder, Jim Robinson. She is thankful for the "friends, inspiration, intellectual stimulation and sanity" that Free Republic has given her. I think it is safe to say that all of us here at Free Republic are thankful for dedicated members such as Molly Pitcher.

Please join me in giving another deserving FReeper a warm welcome to FR's Finest...

Today that Finest is
Molly Pitcher!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

10-12, 13-02 "A Few Of FR's Finest" Weekend Thread

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

     1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
     2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
     3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
     4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
     5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me an FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[Molly Pitcher]

Beautiful! Thanks, lodwick.

[BlessedAmerican]

Thanks....aren't we all...?

[lysie]

Congratulations, Molly.

[Molly Pitcher]

Thanks lysie. Good morning to you!

Have to leave soon...appt. to get the tires checked and rotated on my .....oops.....white van......

[Miss Marple]

Well, congratulations! Many people don't know that you hosted the USA vs Clinton thread for many months (which eventually became America the Right Way) and I wanted to put in a plug for your dedication during all those months!

Molly is also very helpful in recommending books that are a bit off the beaten path but are well worth reading. She is a good friend, and one of the nicest people I have met on FR!

Molly, I am so glad you are featured today! A well-deserved tribute!!

[lodwick]

;-)

[GailA]

Good morning ALL. Congrats Molly on being one of FR's finest.

Here is moring coffee for those who are coffeeholics like me. Another bear for Mama Bear

[ohioWfan]

HEY, MOLLY!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :o)

I'm so privileged to be one of the FReepers who has met, sat across the table from, and had scintillating conversation with you!! ('Course it helps that I live only a little way down the freeway from you!)

What a well-deserved HONOR this is for you!! Way to GO!!

[LadyX]

What a pleasure it is to meet you, read about your introduction to Free Republic, and welcome you to The Finest.
Billie has created a wonderful way to recognize deserving individuals.

How reassuring it is to know there are so many like-minded patriots assiduously keeping up with the issues of the day, determined, too, to restore the Republic!

Enjoy your day in the Spotlight, Miss Molly ~ ~ ~

[Mixer]

Happy Monday to all!

[MeekOneGOP]

So sorry to hear you weren't feeling well. I wondered where you were since I hadn't heard from you.

Hope you are feeling better and get well soon !!

[lodwick]

From my Outlaw cook friend

Fried eggs with country ham. The eggs are local; the ham comes from Burger's Smokehouse. The ham was browned a little in butter and then the eggs were dropped in. The little specks of congealed ham juices on the egg whites show where I spooned the hot butter onto the them to cook them through. Missing from the picture are the English muffins and the cup of coffee, and, of course, the smell of all that cooking, which is not to be believed.

[MeekOneGOP]

Regarding the Terrorist attack in Bali this weekend:

We must remain firm in face of terror

Excerpt:

The sadness is overwhelming, yet we must steel ourselves for the struggle ahead. This is a wake-up call to Australia, to our region, and to the entire civilised world to unite more strongly than ever to defeat terrorism. The Bali bombings expose the lie that the act of war on September 11, 2001, was simply an attack on Americans and American values.

Bali proves that all freedom-loving peoples are at risk from terrorism, at home and abroad. We cannot let national rivalries, domestic political differences or cynical anti-Americanism divide us. The Bali bombings should serve as a lesson to the waverers who have let their distaste for George W. Bush or knee-jerk isolationism blind them to the realities of terrorism.

No one is safe from the terrorist threat. Many have warned since September 11 that terrorism strikes innocent civilians as they go about their ordinary lives. As John Howard said yesterday, the young Australians partying at Kuta Beach's club strip were doing what young Australians will often do at this time of year: "mark the end of the sporting season with some fun in another place". Yet they were seen as legitimate targets of the terrorists.

We must resist the pressure that is already building for Australia to withdraw from its alliance with the US against terrorism, to "protect" ourselves from future attacks. This would be both disloyal and against our national interests. We are involved in a war against terrorism not because we are the US's allies but because we are a Western democratic country.

[LadyX]

"Must've been the coffee I put on earlier."

And excellent coffee it was, laddie!
Managed to curl my hair before I finished the second cup..:))

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Congratulations, Molly! I have always LOVED your FR name and think of our Revolutionary War ancestors every time I read it. They paid the price - and many since them - for our freedom in this God blessed America. And so have you and yours. It is a privilege and a joy to have "met" you in Free Republic's Cyber haven. God bless you in all things!

[LadyX]

We so look forward to the photographs you and JL and Valerie present to us as gifts.
A sincere thank you to each of you.

[ohioWfan]

I can smell it from here, lodwick!! What a delectable aroma! :o)

[LadyX]

And your coffee, Meekie, puts a spring in the step and sharpens the mental faculties!
(well, kinda . . :)))

[lodwick]

1966 WO1 Robert L. Pruhs -- 71 AHC, Age 21, Norfolk, Virginia
1967 1LT Dave W. Brant -- 175 AHC, Age 27, Mattawan, Michigan
1970 WO1 Edwin H. Curtiss -- D/229 AHB 1 CAV, Age 20, Stockdale, Pennsylvania
1970 Carl J. CW2 Wanka -- D/229 AHB 1 CAV, Age 22, St. Paul, Minnesota

R.I.P. Patriots & Defenders of Liberty

[LadyX]

Great to see you, Pippin.
I went away a few days to be with my sister at her lake house.
It was a glorious time, remembering what was punctuated by the loss of Angelique.

Of our family, only she and I remain, and it was important to cover old territory and savor memories and celebrate having one another.

We have for certain, only this moment.

In that vein, I express my appreciation for the blessing of all of you on Free Republic.