On this somber day of observance, our friends at Galco remind us of a quote from General George S. Patton: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men that died. Rather that we should thank God that such men lived.”
And my colleagues at Second Amendment Foundation remind us of the seminal moment “the Revolutionary War was ignited by the battles of Lexington and Concord, when British troops under General Thomas Gage were dispatched to seize arms and ammunition belonging to the colonial militia, and destroy it.”
Exercising the rights our forebears died to preserve seems an appropriate way to celebrate Memorial Day. Before the day is over I’ll join a “shooting party” at the range of Herman Gunter, III. I hope you, too, can get some meaningful time in to honor those who died to preserve the American way of life.
Yep, already been to the club’s range. I have been working at putting together an unlimited Class Glock for a match in St. Paul, MN next weekend. A G34 with KKM barrel with comp and a Burris Fastfire III. After market trigger parts brings the pull down to a real 4# measured from where the finger is placed. The wife practiced her G17 and G34 for the all Girls match. All told we fired about 500 rds.
I have an ancestor that was a lieutenant in our Revolutionary War. Still trying to get more info about him. Also have 2 Great-Great Grandfathers in the Civil War, another great- grand father in the Spanish American War but didn’t see any action. My father was in WWII (Navy-Gunners mate Pacific theater), an Uncle-who is still with us WWII (Army- Sergeant Pacific theater) saw action on the Islands. My son (Navy 3rd Class petty officer) Gulf War USS–Nimitz CVN-68. I am the black sheep in the family lineage drafted for Viet Nam but sent packing for health reasons.
I’ve done very little shooting recently. I want to conserve my ammo, and save money. But I was able to put 25 rounds through a handgun on Saturday, and 50 rounds shotgunning at clay targets on Sunday. Wonderful!
In the news I hear about how our country is going downhill, but I still see people going to work, the mall and restaurants. We are still blessed, thanks to God and our veterans!
Like the Patton quote. I ran across it last night while on the web. Thought it perfectly fitting for this weekend.
God rest those that gave all for our freedoms.
Mas, thanks for the reminder to practice. The act of developing shooting competence itself is part of the right to bear arms, and for serving in the militia in, in this case, Arizona. Two of my relatives were killed in WWII, two wounded. I know at least three of them served under Gen. Patton. They all had sworn to uphold the Constitution, and carried the American flag to the end of their lives, whether during the war, or after.
The truly well-regulated militia is competent from the grass roots up, as well as from the top down. That is why the fundamental right to bear arms is not to be infringed. Without accurate shooters handling well-regulated (accurately sighted) firearms, we would be part of the UK today (brr!).
I have documentary evidence that a direct male ancestor (same surname as mine) was a soldier on the Revolutionary War. On Memorial Day, I went to the range and fired 21 rounds from my EDC pistol…since I don’t have a howitzer.
Two Gun – that is a sobering and troubling thought of what the consequences could have been during our Revolution. I have had the extreme good fortune (and in one case, very good luck) to spend time talking about such things with veterans of each war and conflict, including “the great war.” It wasn’t something I set out to do, but now – I wish I had done much more – and will strive to do more in the future. I know that not every veteran wants to talk about his experiences, but most do. Regardless of whether or not they want to discuss their service, it is our absolute duty to thank these true heroes – wherever and whenever we can. Make it a resolution not to be forgotten.
“Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.”
From Stonewall Jackson’s Personal Journal
My family dates back to before revolution in the Boston and the New England area. I had relatives who fought along the British line of retreat from Lexington and Concord and at Bunker Hill. The family has served the country in its wars from the revolution though myself as a Vietnam era Marine Officer and a cousin who just retired as a Air Force Officer.
The battle of Bunker Hill was actually fought on Breeds Hill the patriots repulsed the British regulars twice. They retreated from Breedsw Hill as they ran out of ammunition on the third British assault across Bunker Hill. Two lessons: 1 Never run out of ammunition. 2 Politicians always screw up they put the monument on, and named the battle after the wrong hill.
Shot with a regular monthly group on Tuesday
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