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

[Mr. Mulliner]

Molly, you are SOOO deserving of this tribute. You do so much for so many people here at FR and I'm one person who feels truly blessed to have met you here.

You used to really make me feel connected when we used to talk about Indians and Mariners baseball and I appreciated your love for and knowledge of the game.

Now more than ever I appreciate being able to find some excellent links to good articles every day. I count on you to find what's worth reading given my usually busy day. But I certainly don't take you for granted.

More than anything, I appreciate your love for God and strong faith. You've inspired me many times, Molly. I know that I can share so many things with you (including my gripes about my ultra-liberal boss) and you will respond with grace and a great amount of wisdom.

Thanks for your friendship, Molly. You are greatly loved and appreciated!

[Molly Pitcher]

Thank you all for stopping by...for the kind words, graphics, and even music!

Jane....the old UvC days....Impossible NOT to feel nostalgic, but the reason for the thread's existence: x42 - hate to remember THAT!

Only followed in YOUR footsteps on that thread dear lady!

dittomom - Did you see how I couldn't resist bringing in BASEBALL!!??? LOL! BTW, who won last night - SF or the Cards??LOL!

and ohio, we'll definitely be getting together again!

[ladyinred]

Congrats Molly on your day!!
You were one of the first freepers I got to know cyberly when I was lurking on the Us vs Clinton thread where I nervously made my very first reply! I enjoyed reading your posts each morning, and you are truly one of FR's finest!
It was great to get to see a face to match the name!!
Have a wonderful day in the spotlight, you deserve it!!!

[Molly Pitcher]

Oh goodness, I'm blushing here, Mr. M.

YOU inspire me with your dedication, faith and courage!

It's been a pleasure and treat to get to know you and call you a FRiend! Thanks so much!

[Molly Pitcher]

"cyberly" - LOL! We do cook up new words around here don't we??! Thanks so much ladyinred! FR has been a blessing to all of us in so many ways....

[Molly Pitcher]

Thank you so much oldcodger! Hope all is well with you today...

dutchess - Remember the Midwest Chapter get-together Sept. '00?? How many of us were there? a dozen or so?

There is a n.e. Ohio group which meets pretty regularly, but have never been able to make the meetins...

[ohioWfan]

OH, dutchess! I'd love to go on the 24th, but I'm doing something even better..........we're going to Ft. Lee Virginia for Eric's AIT graduation, and we're BRINGING HIM HOME!!!!!

I LOVE the idea of getting together with WVNan, Molly and you! What a blast that will be! Columbus would work.....but I live in an even more central location. Maybe you all could come here......

Molly, I should be free on Tuesdays and Fridays once soccer season is over.......freep me about a date and place that might work for you.

I enjoyed every moment of our visit!

Now off to my work out at the fitness center.......inspiration from the President of the United States. If he's not too busy to work out, I have no excuse! :o)

[ST.LOUIE1]

Good morning, Ms.Angel!

Ya did real good, *dansy*. : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

I'm very pleased to meet you, Ms. Molly.
Enjoy your day! : )

[daisyscarlett]

Congratulations MP. I am so happy to see you featured. I am one of your fans from the America vs Clinton thread...and I love your screen name and alter ego.

Great presentation, Angel...Thank you...

[ST.LOUIE1]

Hi, Pips!

Hope you're feeling better. : )

[daisyscarlett]

Good morning all...The calendar pick for today serves to remind us that today is Thanksgiving in Canada....

AND FOR OUR DEAR CANADIAN FRIENDS.....

[MozartLover]

Good Golly Miss Molly!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!:) :) :)

[ST.LOUIE1]

Morning, Ms.X. : )

[daisyscarlett]

A little birdie told me your computer had crashed...Looks like it is up and running now....

[ST.LOUIE1]

Hi, Mix!

[ST.LOUIE1]

Good morning, Aqua!

Nice heart, nice song. : )

[daisyscarlett]

Good morning meekie...thanks for all the goodies you brought...

[Molly Pitcher]

Many, many thanks you 2!!

Does everyone know that Lynne Cheney will be on Greta Van Susteren 's show tonight??

Hope Greta will be gracious...if she isn't I don't think Lynne Cheney will put up with it!

[Molly Pitcher]

Hello & thanks dear MozartLover. Glad you had a nice weekend with your son. Very special time, isn't it?

Hurray for the next generation of Conservatives!!