MIDLOTHIAN — A Mansfield firefighter and former Marine taking down an armed robber with his bare hands was caught on camera at a Midlothian gas station. And now, Daniel Gaskey is being hailed as a hero.

The robbery took place June 26 at the Exxon Oasis Food Store on 9th Street in Midlothian, according to Midlothian Police Sgt. Nick Harp.

It started out as a regular day for Gaskey.  “It was about 6:15 in the morning. I was on my way to work, stopped in here like I normally do before my shift and just getting some water or coffee, you know, just stuff to start the day,” Gaskey said.

Security video captured the incident, showing Gaskey standing at the counter getting ready to pay when a white male, wearing a black mask and red and black jacket, enters and shoves him aside. (more…)

I was going to post a different patriotic song for the Fourth, but all of this confederacy talk got me to thinking about Andrew “Old Hickory” Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans.

Jackson’s service in the War of 1812 against the British was conspicuous for bravery and success. When British forces threatened New Orleans, Jackson took command of the defenses, including militia from several western states and territories. He was a strict officer but was popular with his troops. They said he was “tough as old hickory” wood on the battlefield, and he acquired the nickname of “Old Hickory”.

In the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815, Jackson’s 5,000 soldiers won a decisive victory over 7,500 British. At the end of the battle, the British had 2,037 casualties: 291 dead (including three senior generals), 1,262 wounded, and 484 captured or missing. The Americans had 71 casualties: 13 dead, 39 wounded, and 19 missing.

Starts at 15:08. As true today as when he first mentioned:

That’s what I’m talking about right there !!  Shout it !!

(video 02:48 bearing witness – spreading the glory)

https://youtu.be/Xhe1HhGbudk?t=2m48s

(more…)

June 14th, 1777 – During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress adopts a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”

The national flag, which became known as the “Stars and Stripes,” was based on the “Grand Union” flag, a banner carried by the Continental Army in 1776 that also consisted of 13 red and white stripes. (more…)

No better commemoration than the speech delivered by President Ronald Reagan on the 40th Anniversary:

This story is the America I know.  This story is the America I love.  This story is our America, your America. The story of us. 

….It’s too easy to forget that.

TEXAS – Waiting tables at the West Side Cafe, Kayla Lane crosses many paths. “I remember people. I’m really good at remembering people,” she said.
Shaun and Debbie Riddle were surprised she remembered them this afternoon. They hadn’t been by for a while. She also remembered their newborn daughter, Glory, and asked about her.
“They kind of looked at each other and were very silent,” said Lane. “We said, ‘Well, she passed away four weeks ago,’” said Shaun.
At nine weeks old, baby Glory never woke up from a nap. Her parents still don’t know why.
(more…)

(Doggie News) Great news! Caitlyn, the 15-month old Staffy-mix that was found last week in critical condition with her muzzle clamped shut with electrical tape, is now recovering from surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

According to the Charleston Animal Society, veterinarian Dr. Henri Bianucci performed the surgery to repair extensive damage to Caitlyn’s cheek and lips. (more…)

Memorial Day is a day of reverence.
Memorial Day is a day of solemn remembering; and Memorial Day is a day of thankfulness for those who have given their lives in the cause of freedom; our freedom.

Memorial Day is separate and apart from any other day – in that we secure this day to remind ourselves how significant a cost is the price of freedom.
Memorial Day is a day we pay our deepest respects to those who died to provide it.