BEIRUT 1983

 I thought that today I would take a few moments to remember the 241 service members who were killed in the homicide bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon on this day, 30 years ago.

These men, mostly U.S. Marines had been placed in the middle of a very nasty civil war that was going on at the time in Lebanon. The Marines primary duty was to serve as peacekeepers, to try to keep the warring parties separated.

The Marine Barracks which was near the Beirut Airport was destroyed by a truck bomb which was driven into the lobby of the building then detonated. Little did anyone know that this bombing was the opening shots in the war on terror that led to various other attacks on our country, to include 9/11 and still continues today.

Most of the Marines killed and wounded in Beirut were originally based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. We felt the loss maybe a little sharper since these service men were fellow "Tar Heels"

When I think of these fallen heroes, I am reminded of  Matthew 5:9.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of GOD" 

Heart Of Oak..........

In solemn and respectful memory of Lord Nelson and the Tars of the Royal Navy who fought the combined Spanish and French fleets at Trafalgar on this day in 1805. Nelson died of wounds suffered in this battle, but became a legend within the Royal Navy as well as one of best beloved heroes of England.

Today In History.............

In 1797... The U.S.S. Constitution (Also know as Old Ironsides) was launched. This ship, one of  six, was built to help the fledgling U.S. Navy to both protect America's interest and to project force worldwide. She received her  nickname when in an engagement with the British, cannonballs bounced off of the heavy oak timbers she was made of.

Running Around Like My Head Is On Fire And My A*s Is Catching...............

Sorry there hasn't been much Ice Cream round here. I think someone stole the damned machine. Last week-end I took part in Miss Nancy's PIRATEHAWK! (Or as I call it, Flintlock 101) This coming week-end I am attending the Battle of the Hook. So I am rushing around as normal. Until I can get my ducks in a row,  here's a recipe for you to play with over the week-end.

Shrub

1 Quart of DARK rum
1 Cup of sugar (either natural or brown)
2 small cans frozen lime or lemon aide concentrate
Enough water to make 1 gallon of drink.

You can play around with the sugar amount as listed, this drink IS pretty sweet. Serve cool and dream of the balmy breezes of the Caribbean.......