Saturday, May 24, 2014

Massachusetts National Cemetery : Memorial Day Observation



Massachusetts National Cemetery: Annual Memorial Day ceremony , 1 p.m.; cemetery is off Otis Rotary on Route 28 in Bourne. Begins with Parade of Colors. Guest speaker is Col. James M. LeFavor, commanding officer of 102nd Intelligence Wing, Otis Air National Guard Base. Veterans organizations to participate in presentation of wreaths in honor of their comrades. 

Samuel Adams: A Life - Ira Scott

Samuel Adams: A LifeSamuel Adams: A Life by Ira Stoll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The most people know about Samuel Adams is that he signed the Declaration of Independence and has a beer named in his honor. This takes a deeper look into the man and his life. He was the early torch bearer and thorn in the side of the English rulers leading up to and during the American Revolution. One of the first to use the press as a weapon of words and ideals to gather support. Was often called the "The Last Puritan" as he was firm in his religious convictions. Believed in the old Yankee ideals of hard work and spurned luxury. He doesn't always seem to to get the same amount of attention as the other founding fathers do. Perhaps cause he never rose higher than Governor of Massachusetts. Perhaps it was his strong religious convictions, hatred for the Pope that made him be over looked. He also destroyed much of his own correspondence so future scholars haven't the same material to draw from as other early American figures. He was certainly a loud and staunch voice of the American Revolution that deserves to be heard. Worth reading if you enjoy early U.S. History as he was a central figure in the birth of the Nation.



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Thursday, May 22, 2014

Look a little closer this weekend


       
World War I Memorial in Mansfield, Massachusetts
 While on your holiday weekend in between BBQ's,  beer runs, parades, and parties maybe stop for a moment and check out many of our beautiful and often looked over memorials amongst us. How often do we pass these without taking a look.  May it serve as a reminder of the sacrifice that made us to honor this day. Take a closer look at the weather beaten statues and plaques. Look at the names of the men and women who earned a place on them. Perhaps whisper a thank you or prayer for them.  I'm sure they would appreciate at least that much. 

Remember to have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center

IRecently made a quick visit to the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center located in Sandwich, Massachusetts. It's located on the northern end of the canal that opens to Cape Cod Bay just south of historical Plymouth.
Inside the visitor center you can find out information about the canal which celebrates it's 100th birthday this year. It also has restrooms and a small recreation /picnic area. It is also adjacent Sandwich Marina. It's a cool place visit if your in the area. Here are a few pictures I snapped while I was there.