The Meaning of Taps

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps was played; this brings out a new meaning of it. We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, ‘Taps.’ It’s the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do … Read more

In Memory of ‘Shifty’ Powers

We’ve heard a lot about the big splashy memorial services for the likes of a drugged-up, wacked-out entertainer, Michael Jackson, and a cowardly drunk who happened to be a U.S. Senator (Kennedy). I would like to propose a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers. Here’s why… Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and … Read more

Old Ironsides

The U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides) as a combat vessel carried 48,600 gallons of fresh (remember that figure) water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (fresh water distillers). However, let it be noted that according to her log, … Read more