Bryan Strawser

We’re not doubling down here.

We’re all in.

- General David Patraeus
Commanding General, Multi-National Force - Iraq

After nearly eighteen months of silence on this blog, I thought that there was no better day to return than on Memorial Day.

Today is the day that we set aside to honor the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in freedom.

Many of us take the day to BBQ and spend time with family, neighbors, and friends. But we should also take the time to remember those that gave all so that we can live as we do - in a free country, populated by a free-thinking people.

My own memories of Memorial Day run deep. I was raised in a family - and in a community - that honored its veterans and never failed to give them the proper respect. My elementary school music teacher - Carmen Abernathy - often told stories of World War II - when her husband flew B-17s out of England. My community paused on Memorial Day at our veteran’s memorial at the county courthouse on the town square to remember. The traditions, in some ways, of growing up in small town America.

Later in my teen years, as a Boy Scout, we took time on the weekend before Memorial Day to span out across the county in order to place a flag in front of each veteran’s grave in the county. Some had died as old men - having returned home to begin their families or lead successful lives.

Just as many had not.

Today, I pause to remember the more than 600,000 Americans who have died in the service of our country.

Lex posts a letter from a US Navy Pilot directed at the terrorists. A portion reads:

I tell you all this because when I come for you, I want you to know me. I won’t be hiding behind a woman or a child. I won’t be disguised or pretending to be something I am not. I will be in a U.S. issue flight suit. I will be wearing standard US issue flight gear, and I will be flying a navy aircraft clearly marked as a US warplane. I wish we could meet up close in a small room where I could wrap my hands around your throat and slowly squeeze the life out of you, but unfortunately, you’re hiding in a hole in the ground, so we will have to do this a different way.

I want you to know also that I am very good at what I do. I can put a 2,000 lb weapon through a window from 10,000 feet up. I generally only fly at night, so you may want to start sleeping during the day. I am not eager to die for my country but I am willing to sacrifice my life to protect it from animals like you.

I will do everything in my power to ensure no civilians are hurt as I take aim at you. My countrymen are a forgiving bunch. Many are already forgetting what you did on Sept 11th. But I will not forget.

I am coming. I hope you know me a little bit better, see you soon…sleep tight.

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”

- President, Franklin D. Roosevelt

We’ll be in Hawaii next year. One of our stops - no matter how early we have to get up or how long we have to wait in line - will be here:

Because it is only right and proper to remember.

More: Neptunus Lex

Looks like the CIA struck and took out a few enemies of the state.

How y’all feeling about those safe houses now?