Free Republic

History, as Marx famously said (by way of paraphrasing Hegel), repeats itself -- "the first time as tragedy, the second as farce." A catchy concept, to say the least. And while there's definitely something to it, it's also true that sometimes history does not repeat itself. Take American wars in Japan, the Koreas, Vietnam and Iraq. President Bush, addressing the Veterans of Foreign Wars, recently made a case -- a flawed case -- for a kind of core continuity linking these disparate conflicts. It's not that he didn't admit there are many differences among them ("There are many differences" among...

I watched The African Queen, again this week. That classic movie, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn, offered a clear explanation of several current news events this week. What is the lesson of The African Queen? It is this: Understand your circumstances, and set your goal based on that. In that movie, the goal was to sink the German warship, The Louisa. And that goal dictated the tactics which had to be taken, regardless of danger or odds against them, to reach that goal. As a reminder of that fine movie, the tactics were for Charlie Allnut and Rose Sayers...

From VoteDODGE.com: MEDIA ADVISORY"It's Duty, (Not Beauty) Honor, Country" Committee to Elect Jeffers MacArthur DodgeCalifornia State Assembly, District 47www.votedodge.com MEDIA ADVISORY                Contact: Jack Cummins                                                                                     Telephone: (310) 658-9711 June 30, 2006                                                  for Immediate Release Jeffers MacArthur Dodge begins campaign to endDesecration at West Los Angeles Veterans Park WHO: Jeffers MacArthur Dodge WHAT: "Beauty, Honor, Country" or "Duty, Honor, Country" - Desecration at Veterans Memorial.Jeffers MacArthur Dodge begins campaign to end desecration of "Duty, Honor, Country - Three hallowed words..." General Douglas MacArthur 1962, at Veterans Park Gateway Plaza WHEN: Wednesday July 5, 2006, 10:00 AM WHERE: Wilshire Blvd & San Vicente Blvd,...

INCHON, South Korea -- Gen. Douglas MacArthur can't be seen around these parts without his bodyguards. The old soldier stands high on a bluff here looking out to sea, binoculars slung around his neck and an officer's cap perched jauntily on his head. In a cordon in front of him are several burly riot policemen, their shields raised in defensive posture. At least a dozen other officers, some in plainclothes with wires dangling in their ears, are fanned out around the flowerbeds, on the lookout for trouble. For nearly half a century, a 16-foot bronze likeness of the late war...

The Daily Herald Northwest, North and Western Chicago Suburbs) is seeking Philippine-born W.W. II veterans now living in the West and Northwest suburbs (again Chicago) for a commemoration of Gen. MacArthur's return landing there 60 years ago. If you or someone you know fits that description, please contact email Mike Comerford, or call 847-427-4568. (E-mail address is mcomerford@dailyherald.com)

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

General Douglas MacArthur's Farewell Speech Given to the Corps of Cadets at West Point May 12, 1962 General Westmoreland, General Groves, distinguished guests, and gentlemen of the Corps. As I was leaving the hotel this morning, a doorman asked me, "Where are you bound for, General?" and when I replied, "West Point," he remarked, "Beautiful place, have you ever been there before?" No human being could fail to be deeply moved by such a tribute as this, coming from a profession I have served so long and a people I have loved so well. It fills me with an emotion...

Dear Lord, There's a young man far from home, called to serve his nation in time of war; sent to defend our freedom on some distant foreign shore. We pray You keep him safe, we pray You keep him strong, we pray You send him safely home ... for he's been away so long. There's a young woman far from home, serving her nation with pride. Her step is strong, her step is sure, there is courage in every stride. We pray You keep her safe, we pray You keep her strong, we pray You send her safely home...

Dear Lord, There's a young man far from home, called to serve his nation in time of war; sent to defend our freedom on some distant foreign shore. We pray You keep him safe, we pray You keep him strong, we pray You send him safely home ... for he's been away so long. There's a young woman far from home, serving her nation with pride. Her step is strong, her step is sure, there is courage in every stride. We pray You keep her safe, we pray You keep her strong, we pray You send her safely home...