The Stories and Novels By Derek Ward
On this day, 100 years ago, the Austrian-Hungarians invaded Serbia and kicked off a war that would cost over 17 million lives.
It would change the world in almost every way. Empires would give way to new nations. New technologies would be debuted. New words would enter the lexicon.
World War I would also pave the way for the costliest conflict this world has ever seen because of the short-sightedness of the victors.
Believe me, dear Sir: there is not in the British empire a man who more cordially loves a union with Great Britain than I do. But, by the God that made me, I will cease to exist before I yield to a connection on such terms as the British Parliament propose; and in this, I think I speak the sentiments of America.
Thomas Jefferson, November 1775
Eight months later, the Continental Congress would ratify Jefferson’s “Declaration of Independence.”
Since Friday is the Fourth of July, I thought this song would be appropriate.
Lyrics in YouTube video.
This one is a bit long:
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man to man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our home fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory!
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander Allied Forces
This was the order given to the troops on the even of Operation Overlord, more commonly known as D-Day.
Let us remember those who air dropped into France and those who charged the beaches – Utah, Omaha, Sword, Gold, and Juno – seventy years ago today.
Chester Nez, the last of the Navajo Code Talkers, passed away yesterday. My condolences to his friends and family.
What were the Navajo Code Talkers? Don’t bother with that shitty Windtalkers film. Read this.
Someone put together a list of Sabaton’s song lyrics and historical info.
This may lead to lower work productivity.
Happy, slightly belated, birthday to the USMC! Semper Fi!
For the explanation of the title, go here.