“This we defend ...”

This was at National Review Online today:

Every American should know his name and his story. And, thanks to a great book by Stephen Ambrose — Band of Brothers — and an equally great HBO television series, many do. What millions of Americans don’t know is that Richard “Dick” Winters died on January 2 at the age of 92 ...

Dad was too young to serve in World War II. When he got out of the seminary, his Air Force reserve unit was activated. He took some beautiful slides of his travels to Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, while he was with the occupation, but few if any of them depicted military life. I don't know that he found it all that pleasant. In fact, he would have made captain had he not declined re-enlistment. But he was never ashamed to have served. Even after the big war was over, "It was just something every guy did," he said years later.

Meanwhile, Iowahawk's tribute to his father can be found here.

To all of you who have served, to all who continue to serve, a Tip of the Black Hat is in order on this day.