National Memorial Day Concert (PBS)
The Inspirational Story of Ted Strong, Vietnam Veteran (Presented by Laurence Fishburne):

Once a 220-pound linebacker, Ted Strong returned from the Vietnam War wounded and emaciated, missing his right arm and left leg, but his fighting spirit was intact. 47 years later, his words were etched into glass panels of the Disabled Veterans' Life Memorial, which reads “It's possible for a man to lose half of his physical being and still become whole.” His moving story of living with disability and becoming the man he is today was shared by Laurence Fishburne at the 2015 National Memorial Day Concert.

We are honored to share his story with you:
https://www.facebook.com/memorialdayconcert/videos/925278168131227

#BlackHistoryMonth #VietnamVeteran #Inspirational

The Founding of the United States:

On This Day in History > January 25, 1776, the first national memorial is ordered by Congress.

"On January 25, 1776, the Continental Congress authorizes the first national Revolutionary War memorial in honor of Brigadier General Richard Montgomery, who had been killed during an assault on Quebec on December 31, 1775.

Montgomery, along with Benedict Arnold, led a two-pronged invasion of Canada in late 1775. Before joining Arnold at Quebec, Montgomery successfully took Montreal. But the Patriot assault on Quebec failed, and Montgomery became one of the first generals of the American Revolution to lose his life on the battlefield.

When word of his death reached Philadelphia, Congress voted to create a monument to Montgomery’s memory and entrusted Benjamin Franklin to secure one of France’s best artists to craft it. Franklin hired King Louis XV’s personal sculptor, Jean Jacques Caffieri, to design and build the monument.

Upon its completion in 1778, the Montgomery memorial was shipped to America and arrived at Edenton, North Carolina, where it remained for several years. Although originally intended for Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Congress eventually decided to place the memorial in New York City. In 1788, it was installed under the direction of Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant beneath the portico of St. Paul’s Chapel, which served as George Washington’s church during his time in New York as the United States’ first president in 1789, and where it remains to this day. Montgomery’s body, which was originally interred on the site of his death in Quebec, was moved to St. Paul’s in 1818."
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Today's Inspirational Quote from Our Flag
​"He was brave, he was able, he was humane, he was generous, but still, he was only a brave, able, humane, and generous REBEL."
- Stated by British Prime Minister Lord North upon hearing of General Montgomery's death in battle. Obviously, Lord North was upset that this long ago British soldier had decided to leave the British Army and join the cause for independence of the American colonies

Painting by John Trumbull of General Montgomery being killed during the 1775 attack on Quebec

Tasting results:
#1 Four Roses (smoothest/fragrant)
#2 EW Single Barrel (most even front to back-standard)
#3 Woodford (superior scent-aroma hangs pleasantly)
# 4 Killers Blend (coolest, but has quite a bite @ 115 proof)
#5 Shackleton (very Smokey, by far the most inspirational brand) - very slight tequila scent hangs on the end.

Cheers!