Free Republic

An LGF reader forwarded these quotes about the Galveston Hurricane of 1900: *** Looters found despoiling the dead were stood against the nearest wall or pile of debris and shot without hindrance of a trial. The grisly work of collecting the dead continued by torchlight. The workers were issued generous rations of bourbon and strong cigars. They breathed through handkerchiefs soaked in bourbon and smoked cigars to mask the smell. In the sweltering heat that followed the storm, decomposition was rapid. The bodies soon lost the rigidity of rigor mortis and had to be shoveled into carts. At times the...

Ceremony to honour sea war dead The ceremony is part of the Battle of Trafalgar celebrations People killed at sea during wars are being honoured by maritime veterans, royals and children in a ceremony for the Battle of Trafalgar bicentenary. The International Drumhead Ceremony, taking place next to the Naval War Memorial in Portsmouth, remembers casualties from all nations. Commander Tim Peacock said the event marked the "illustrious achievements" of maritime veterans. Thousands of spectators watched Tuesday's fleet review off Portsmouth. The Duke of York, Prince Michael of Kent and around 11,000 veterans are expected to attend Wednesday's ceremony...