Heroes From History: Miles Standish

Miles Standish was one of the Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Rock, a British colony that would be a progenitor to the United States of America. He was a kind and courageous warrior. Standish was known for fighting against evil, yet never allowing appearances to beguile him away from righteousness. When life beckoned him to fulfillContinue reading “Heroes From History: Miles Standish”

The Hero with No Name

This is a ballad I am working on to tell the tale of John of Austria (1547-1578), also known as Don Juan de Austria. Born out of wedlock, he was the son of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and the half-brother of King Phillip II of Spain. He was a brave and enduring man, scornedContinue reading “The Hero with No Name”

The Happy Warrior: A Haiku Series

The story of Wojtek the Bear was such an inspiring and wholesome story that I felt it only fitting to add a poetry post on the topic. Seeing as Wojtek was a soldier, I felt it most fitting to write a haiku series. Since haiku was developed by the warrior samurai as a form ofContinue reading “The Happy Warrior: A Haiku Series”

Heroes From History: Wojtek the Bear

Wojtek – meaning “Happy Warrior” in Polish – was a Syrian brown bear who was enlisted in the Polish Army during the Second World War. He was the only non-human to ever receive an enlisted position with an official rank and payroll in a human military, at least during WWII, and potentially ever. Wojtek wasContinue reading “Heroes From History: Wojtek the Bear”

Heroes From History: Frank Howley

Frank L. Howley was an American brigadier general who served during the Cold War and was crucial in saving West Germany from starvation at the hands of a communist blockade. He was born on February 3, 1903 in Hampton, New Jersey. He formed a successful advertising agency and joined the Officer Reserve Corps in 1932Continue reading “Heroes From History: Frank Howley”

What Is Bravery? – A Haiku Series

What is bravery? Does bravery make a man? Can boys be as brave? Duty calls us all Paying no heed to the hour It calls when it must It calls who it needs Bravery cares not for age Duty must be met The young and old go Into the fray of conflict To save whatContinue reading “What Is Bravery? – A Haiku Series”

Heroes From History: Anthony Wayne

Anthony Wayne was a famous general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War who was later appointed commander in chief of the United States Army by President George Washington. He was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania on January 1, 1745. Perhaps Wayne’s most notable accomplishments were his victory at the Battle of Stony PointContinue reading “Heroes From History: Anthony Wayne”

Heroes From History: Johnny Clem

John Lincoln Clem – commonly known as “Johnny Clem” – was a veteran of the American Civil War and one of the youngest participants of the conflict to engage in combat. He was originally born John Joseph Klem on August 13, 1851, but would later change his name and take on several nicknames. The AmericanContinue reading “Heroes From History: Johnny Clem”

Heroes From History: William Eaton

William Eaton was a U.S. Army officer who led an expedition of U.S. Marines and hired mercenaries to Derna, Tripoli during the First Barbary War in 1805. He was the first American to lead forces into battle on foreign soil and raise the American Flag in victory over the enemies of the United States. WilliamContinue reading “Heroes From History: William Eaton”

He Has Not Yet Begun to Fight

John Paul Jones is often considered one of the Fathers of the United States Navy. He was a privateer who joined the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. However, since he worked with mercenaries, pirates, and other soldiers of fortune under his command, he found himself betrayed by his own crew on more thanContinue reading “He Has Not Yet Begun to Fight”