President Marks Jewish, Islamic Holy Days
President Obama recently marked both Eid-ul-Fitr, the Islamic celebration of the end of Ramadan, and Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
From his message on the Eid: Read more
Month: September 2009
Critics Silent during Medal of Honor Ceremony
President Barack Obama presented the parents of Sergeant First Class Jared Monti with his posthumous Medal of Honor last Thursday. The official ceremony was attended by government officials, civilians, and military members, including the surviving members of the patrol that engaged in the firefight that took Monti’s life.
The sacrifice that SFC Monti made reflected the greatness of character that embodies the American spirit. Unfortunately, much of the coverage of Monti’s award focused on the fact that no living military member has received the Medal of Honor during the long-running wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
On the other hand, it was interesting to note where very little attention was given, despite the display of allegedly controversial conduct that occurred–not once, but twice–during the ceremony. The President, members of Congress, military Generals and leaders, all on national television, were led by a uniformed officer in an overtly religious act.
They prayed.
It was tradition. It was fitting. It was right.
If you believe some people, though, it was also illegal. Read more
US Military Engages in “Mind Training”
According to Time‘s Bonnie Rochman, the US military is engaging in a unique method of strengthening the military mind. In her article “Samurai Mind Training for Modern American Warriors,” Rochman notes the increasing use of meditation in military training. “Warrior Mind Training” is a program that is intended to build “mental toughness” in American servicemembers as part of an Army initiative set to begin Read more
Air Force Celebrates 62nd Birthday
While still a baby in comparison with its Navy and Army brethren, the US Air Force is now celebrating 62 years as an independent branch of the American armed forces.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, a Navy Admiral, delivered birthday greetings that recalled how Read more
Constitution Day, 2009
The delegates to the constitutional convention signed what would become the American Constitution on this date in 1787.
It would be nearly a year before the Constitution was finally ratified, a year and a half before the US government officially convened under the Constitution, and more than four years before the Constitution would be amended with the Bill of Rights. Still, the 222nd anniversary of the signing at the convention marks the birth of the United States’ governing document.
The Constitution is more than a topic in High School American Government class to those in the US military. Read more
Man of the Cloth and Uniform
A short Washington Post article describes Chaplain (Lt.) Ray F. Rivers, a 45 year old Marine Lieutenant and Chaplain from South Carolina. The Chaplain is growing a beard to facilitate his meetings with local Islamic and political leaders, leading one Marine to say he “looks like Sting.”
As he demonstrates, Chaplains serve servicemembers, but they also serve the mission.
Fighter Pilot Traditions: Burning the Piano
In the article on fighter pilot traditions, one mentioned but unexplained tradition was that of burning a piano. An F-15E pilot contributed this explanation to the history of the tradition:
The burning of the piano tradition dates back to the Battle of Britain. Read more
The Honor of Military Ceremony and Tradition
Much has been made of the traditional aspects of US military formations and ceremonies, including whether or not prayer and the Chaplaincy–which has been part of military protocol since George Washington’s time–is appropriate.
While not directly addressing the controversy of religion, Maj Thomas Smicklas has written a fascinating and heartfelt commentary on the meaning of military ceremonies and their time-honored traditions:
The Air Force has many different types of ceremonies that are unique customs of our military profession. Read more