Today's "On This Day in the marmot'

09:29 Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Current Wx: Temp: 26.65°F Pressure: 1007hPa Humidity: 82% Wind: 16.58mph
Words: 15

The "On This Day" pages are ephemeral.

But today's is worth a look, I think.

✍️ Reply by email

Veterans Day

08:59 Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Current Wx: Temp: 26.42°F Pressure: 1007hPa Humidity: 84% Wind: 16.58mph
Words: 427

Got an email this morning from The U.S. Naval Institute:

Two hundred fifty years ago, a handful of determined patriots took to the sea to create and defend a fledgling nation. From those earliest days of wooden ships with smooth bore cannons to the age of atomic power, guided missiles, and the dawn of cyber warfare, veterans of our sea services have endured the hardships of service in distant seas and on hostile shores. They sacrificed precious time away from families and friends that many citizens take for granted. From Tripoli to Midway, from Inchon to the Persian Gulf, those who served have faced the dangers of the sea and the violence of the enemy to keep us free and preserve the values that make our nation great. It is because of their devotion to duty, their quiet professionalism, and their willingness to do what must be done that we sleep better at night knowing they are on watch. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our naval services, may we look to our veterans not only with gratitude but with our own resolve—to preserve the peace they fought to secure, and to carry their example forward for the next 250 years.

[There's a para break between that last sentence and the preceding text, but I don't know how to preserve that in the block quote.]

Let me just say that I wanted to vomit when I read this.

"...those who served have faced the dangers of the sea and the violence of the enemy to keep us free and preserve the values that make our nation great."

"The values that make our nation great."

What values would those be?

The ones we're ignoring today? The ones we're not upholding? Defending?

The President of the United States is using the armed forces to violate the law, and the U.S. Naval Institute is silent.

In an example of irony as the fifth fundamental force of the universe, the home page of the U.S.N.I. claims "The home of influential debate since 1873." Really?

Homelessness is worse than I knew.

"Dare to read, think, speak, and write"

Unless you're the "institute" itself. Then I guess it's "Keep your head down and your mouth shut, or you'll lose your lease!"

Too much of a sacrifice?

The men and women of our armed forces are being made into criminals, and the veterans who ought to be speaking out against this obscenity are silent.

It's bullshit. Cowardice.

You don't stop serving when you take off your uniform.

✍️ Reply by email