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Archive for the ‘Memorial’ Category

The 100th Anniversary of the End of the First World War

Sunday, November 11th, 2018

The Armistice ending the First World War came into effect at 11 AM Paris time on 11 November 1918 (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month) after the allies and German powers came to an agreement at 5 AM.

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While perhaps not to the same level as it was in 1918, this date is celebrated in numerous countries as Armistice or Remembrance Day. Here in the US, we observe Veteran’s Day, honoring our those who have served this great nation and the cause of liberty.

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You will often notice the wearing of rememberance poppies which were inspired by the World War One-era poem, “In Flanders Field.” Although the practice was first seen in America, it is quite prevalent in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Today, I’d like to remember those young Americans who made their way in troop ships to stop aggression across the globe in the dawn of the 20th century. I’d also like to salute my fellow Veterans, they make for a very large family. May they stay safe, serve the cause of righteousness, and be ever victorious.

25th Anniversary – Battle Of Mogadishu

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018

As time marches on, younger Americans step into the breach. It’s our duty to teach them about their heritage. Today marks the anniversary of a major event in US military history.

Additionally, the 75th Ranger Regiment was created on this day in 1984, with the stand up of its 3rd Battalion. Over 30 years later, the Ranger Regiment boasts boasts five battalions of some of the most elite warriors on the face of our planet.

But more importantly, this date also marks the 25th Anniversary of 1993’s Battle of Mogadishu during which, elements of TF Ranger which had deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, conducted an operation on that city’s Olympic Hotel in order to capture key leaders of the Aidid Militia.

Unfortunately, during the exfil portion of the raid, a battle ensued which claimed the lives of 18 Americans and wounded another 73. Additionally, CW3 Michael Durant was captured by the Aideed militia. Fortunately, Durant was later repatriated and went on to retire from the 160th. Of the men killed that day, two would be awarded the Medal of Honor, Delta Operators Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart, for their selfless efforts to protect Durant after his aircraft, callsign Super 64, was shot down.

If you are unfamiliar with the events, one of the best accounts of the battle is contained in the book, “Blackhawk Down” by author Mark Bowden. Much of the information was serialized prior to the book’s publication in the Philadelphia Enquirer. Later this was made into a movie bearing the same name.

Please take a moment to remember these men and their sacrifice.

Global War on Terror (GWOT) Memorial Foundation Enlists Winstanley Architects & Planners

Thursday, September 20th, 2018

D.C.-based architecture and planning firm will manage the process of realizing a national memorial recognizing the country’s longest war

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19, 2018 – The Global War on Terror (GWOT) Memorial Foundation, the congressionally-designated non-profit foundation tasked with organizing, fundraising and coordinating efforts to build a new memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., today announced Winstanley Architects & Planners (WA&P) as the Executive Architect for the project.

In this role, WA&P will manage and oversee the 24-step process required by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC) to design and build a memorial in Washington, D.C.

“Significant commemorative work such as this memorial require a well-laid roadmap to capture the purpose and vision of the project as well as move through necessary government approval processes,” said Michael Winstanley AIA AICP, Founding Principal of WA&P. “Utilizing our multidisciplinary approach and drawing on our many years of experience working in Washington, D.C., we look forward to collaborating with the GWOT Memorial Foundation to guide the planning and development of this unique and historic memorial.”

Over the months ahead, the GWOT Memorial Foundation is focused on advocating for land within the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The foundation and Winstanley will collaborate to gather input from the veteran community and the public to ensure the memorial pays proper tribute to GWOT veterans and their families – and is a true reflection of the American people.

“While the process to build a memorial is linear, we’re enlisting WA&P to collaborate with us in thinking about the bigger picture. With limited available locations on the National Mall, it is vital to demonstrate the scale and impact of the GWOT and a memorial in its remembrance,” said Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, president and CEO of the GWOT Memorial Foundation. “The conflict is filled with a collection of unique experiences by Americans across multiple generations and diverse backgrounds. Our next priorities as a foundation are to educate, encourage dialogue and listen to the voices of our country to ensure the memorial reflects the American people. WA&P will play a key role in that process.”

WA&P is uniquely suited to this assignment. From its origins, the firm has utilized a multidisciplinary approach of architecture and planning critical to assisting the Foundation. Additionally, as the Project Director for the NCPC Memorials and Museums Master Plan, Mr. Winstanley has a keen understanding of the opportunities and nuance of site selection in the nation’s capital.

Once a site is selected and approved, the GWOT Memorial Foundation will host a design competition, where artists from around the country can submit designs that evoke the themes discovered, including those of endurance and sacrifice on a global and multi-cultural scale in America’s longest war.

To learn more about the GWOT Memorial Foundation or to donate, visit gwotmf.org or follow the foundation on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

9/11 Remembered – The Toll

Tuesday, September 11th, 2018

Reading the timeline each year is a sobering experience, but it doesn’t matter what time of year I look at the images from that day.   They haunt me. There were 2996 immediate deaths on September 11th, 2001.  There were people who cheered that day, celebrating an attack on America.  But it wasn’t just an attack on us. It was an attack on the world, with victims from over 90 countries.  And those countries came together in the wake of the attack to bring those behind it to justice.

9/11 isn’t over.  Victims and rescuers alike suffer life threatening medical conditions due to the exposure to toxins during the attacks and continue to succumb to these lingering wounds.

And then, there’s the war. It doesn’t end. In the ensuing 17 years we’ve definitely taken the fight to the enemy and even cut their head off a time or two. The names change, but they remain enemies of freedom.  We must secure our future.

Even now, the world is faced with the threat of a resurgent Islamic fundamentalism that targets our ideals in both word and deed. We must oppose them in every case, lest our efforts thus far, be in vain.

Never Forgive, Never Forget

9/11 Memorial – As It Happened – 1720

Tuesday, September 11th, 2018

Later that day, at 1720 – 7 World Trade Center, a 47-story building, collapses.

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9/11 Memorial – As It Happened – 1028

Tuesday, September 11th, 2018

1028 – The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapses.

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9/11 Memorial – As It Happened – 1003

Tuesday, September 11th, 2018

1003 – United Airlines Flight 93 is crashed by its hijackers as passengers try to retake the plane over Somerset County, Pennsylvania. There are no survivors.

9/11 Memorial – As It Happened – 0958

Tuesday, September 11th, 2018

0958 – The South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses.

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