Military History
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The Rubicon: Both an actual event and also an often used metaphor
Caesar’s route south from Ravenna in 49 BC (drawn by Cristiano64 via Wikimedia) Odds are you have heard the phrase “Crossing the Rubicon “ in one context or another. The historical facts point us to a literal place and event, however, “Crossing the Rubicon “ has also, along with its history, a metaphorical meaning. It represents a decisive and irreversible decision; once made it is final and the consequences must be faced. In its historical context we are referring to Julius Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon River in 49 BC, which marked the start of a civil war and Caesar’s ultimate rise to power. Though for Julius Caesar, this action…
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O-Ring failure in Challenger Disaster: A Case of Corruption
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The Fall of the Berlin Wall
Following the defeat of Germany at the end of World War ll, the city of Berlin became divided. The Soviets took over the eastern side, while the west was controlled by the major Western Allies. This created not only a geographical division, but also one in ideology as well. The Iron Curtain Map The Berlin Wall was first erected during the night of August 13, 1961 by East German soldiers using bricks and barbed wire. Over a period of time the brick and wire were replaced by a high, concrete wall. Guard towers were built allowing day and night, armed surveillance. This divide separated family and friends from each other.…
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The Rubicon: Both an actual event and also an often used metaphor
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World War I Submarine Discovered
It has been over 103 years since Australia’s first submarine was lost during World War I. This long sought for discovery follows at least 12 prior attempts to find the wreckage over several decades. Contact was made by the AE1 with an Australian ship at 2:30 pm on September 14, 1914; the day of its disappearance off the New Guinean Island of New Britain. The reason for AE1’s sinking remains a mystery and is not presumed combat related. Nearby islanders claimed to have seen what they described as a “devil fish” and “monster” on that day, which quickly appeared before descending back under the dark cover of water. …
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The Rubicon: Both an actual event and also an often used metaphor
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World War I Facts
World War 1 began on July 28, 1914 and lasted until November 11, 1918. Differences in foreign policies were to blame, although the immediate cause was the assassination of Austria’s Archduke Ferdinand. The two main sides were the Allies, which included France, Great Britain and Russia; and Germany and Austria-Hungary. In total, 30 countries were involved in the conflict. Italy, once part of the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary, fought on the side of the Allies. Soldiers fought largely in trenches during the war, and thousands suffered from stress, known as shell-shock. The British and French trenches were often squalid, whereas the German trenches were almost luxurious in comparison,…
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The Rubicon: Both an actual event and also an often used metaphor
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How World War One Started and the Timeline That Followed
1914 June 28th Francis Ferdinand assassinated at Sarajevo July 5th Kaiser William II promised German support for Austria against Serbia July 28th Austria declared war on Serbia August 1st Germany declared war on Russia August 3rd Germany declared war on France and invaded Belgium. Germany had to implement the Schlieffen Plan. August 4th Britain declared war on Germany August 23rd The BEF started its retreat from Mons. Germany invaded France. August 26th Russian army defeated at Tannenburg and Masurian Lakes. September 6th Battle of the Marne started October 18th First Battle of Ypres October 29th Turkey entered the war on Germany’s side. Trench warfare started to dominate the Western Front.…
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The Rubicon: Both an actual event and also an often used metaphor
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North Korean Victory Day Parade Marks 60th Anniversary
Many remember, what is sometimes called the “Forgotten War” , that ended sixty years ago on July 27, 1953. It would be another six years before my birth, but my father, alive and serving in the United States Marine Corp, fought in and survived the Korean War, as well as, World War ll. Why is it that the Korean War, lasting from 1950-1953, is sometimes referred to, as the Forgotten War, despite the devastating loss of life, two million deaths for the Chinese and North Koreans and 450,360 for the U.S.-led United Nations coalition?One answer is that the other wars eclipsed it. There was World War II, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the recent conflict in Iraq…
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The Rubicon: Both an actual event and also an often used metaphor
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Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
President Abraham Lincoln delivered, on November 19, 1863, a military dedication during the American Civil War. His dedication at a military cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was to become one of the most famous speeches of all time. Though only 272 words long, Lincoln’s address moved the public in its reminder of the necessity of the Union’s fight to win. Just four months prior to his speech the Battle of Gettysburg was waged. It was the bloodiest battle fought in the Civil War killing more than 45,000 men in just three days time and the point at which General Robert E. Lee retreated from Gettysburg in defeat. It was the last Confederate invasion…
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The Rubicon: Both an actual event and also an often used metaphor
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First Veterans Day Proclamation
On October 8th, 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation. It was on June 4, 1926, that Congress passed a resolution to observe the anniversary of the end of World War I, Nov. 11, 1918. In 1938, before the holiday was known as Veterans Day, Congress made Nov. 11 a legal holiday called Armistice Day.
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Veterans Affairs Goal of Updating IT Infrastructures
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs’, Eric. K. Shinseki, message for Veterans Day 2012 can be viewed on the VA website. In his message he talks about the VA “renewing our country’s historic covenant with its Veterans”. He spoke about how, with 21st century technology and a committed workforce, the VA is dedicated to making strides in its efficiency of providing benefits for those who have served in the armed forces. An article on the Rock Hill Herald Online states that Nelson Enterprise Technology Services (NETS), has been awarded a contract having a start day of Oct. 15, 2012. The NETS job is the modernization of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs large IT infrastructures. It is a huge undertaking in that the…
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History of VA Home Loan Program
On October 26, 2012 the 20 Millionth VA Home Loan was purchased by the spouse of an Iraq War Veteran who passed away in 2010. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program first got its start as part of the GI Bill of Rights in June of 1944. The GI Bill, officially named the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, was established to provide benefits for those returning home after serving in World War II. Besides the government backed, low interest home loans, the bill also served to provide veterans with college scholarships. The legislation was of such immense influence it is credited with helping to establish the American middle class. Source: VA Website ,…
