Thus begins the last month of the year of 2023. Hard to believe that the year is coming to a close. Lots going on in December though. Let’s get after it.
On the 5th of December in 1992 the Somalia Campaign began. It was on TV, and everyone watched the U S Marines go ashore. The big thing that stands in my mind, years later, is the 2001 movie “Black Hawk Down”. If you saw this movie, you will remember the action that was taken to get our warriors out of a terrible situation in the downtown Capital of Somalia, Mogadishu on 3-4 Oct. 1993. This battle took the lives of 18 U S soldiers. Not long after this fight the U S Forces were pulled out in 1994 and Somalia descended into chaos for several years. Always remember those brave soldiers and Marines that served in Somalia.
December 7th is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. A very important date. 82 years ago, this battle started the United States on a long difficult road into World War II. I believe that there is only one sailor that survived this battle that is still left alive. He has to be at least 100 years old. This battle started the largest buildup of U S Forces in history. Over 16 million men and women served during WWII. They deserve our gratitude. The next day, on 8 December 1941, the United States declared war on Japan. Just a few days later, on 11 December, Germany and Italy declared war on the U. S. Many of our fathers started their military careers very shortly thereafter.
The National Guard was established on 13 December in the year 1636. Several Militia Regiments were formed. It was called the Militia back then and is now 387 years old. Happy Birthday.
In 2011 the Iraq War ended on 15 December. We give thanks to all our veterans who served. You are to be congratulated for your service. We have many Iraq veterans and we are very proud of their service.
On the 20th of December there are two things to remember. The Panama Campaign started in 1989. We have one or two Panama veterans. Thank you for your service. Get in, do your job, and then get out. That is the way to fight! Then we need to remember the Establishment of the U S Space Force in 2019. Four years old. They are our newest branch of the service. Welcome and thank you for your service.
To change the subject a little, we need to remember that Winter of 2023 starts on Friday, 22 December. Maybe you can start wearing a few winter clothes now. Probably not. Remember that deer season is still going on. Get back out there and get a Big Buck!
Let’s end this up with a couple of things. Christmas is here on Monday, 25 December. You know this. I hope that you remembered to get your Honey a nice gift. And finally, the official end of WWII was on 31 December 1946. Also, the Kosovo Campaign ended in 2013. Do we have any Kosovo Vets? I am not sure.
The end of the year 2023. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!