lunedì 24 novembre 2014

– George Washington, letter to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, January 1793; "The writings of George Washington," Jared Sparks, editor, Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York (1848) Vol. XII, p. 201

To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy of the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications, that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race." – George Washington, letter to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, January 1793; "The writings of George Washington," Jared Sparks, editor, Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York (1848) Vol. XII, p. 201
sand art by Sand artist Orlando Adinolfi

martedì 18 novembre 2014

– George Washington, General Orders, Headquarters, Valley Forge, May 2, 1778; Fitzpatrick 11:342-343

The Commander in Chief directs that divine Service be performed every Sunday at 11 oClock in those Brigades to which there are Chaplains; those which have none to attend the places of worship nearest to them. It is expected that Officers of all Ranks will by their attendence set an Example to their men. … While we are zealously performing the duties of good Citizens and soldiers we certainly ought... not to be inattentive to the higher duties of Religion. To the distinguished Character of Patriot, it should be our highest Glory to add the more distinguished Character of Christian. The signal Instances of providential Goodness which we have experienced and which have now almost crowned our labours with complete Success, demand from us in a peculiar manner the warmest returns of Gratitude and Piety to the Supreme Author of all Good." – George Washington, General Orders, Headquarters, Valley Forge, May 2, 1778; Fitzpatrick 11:342-343

Portrait with sand by sand artist Orlando Adinolfi
 
 

lunedì 10 novembre 2014

Happy 239th Birthday Marines!! Semper Fi

Happy 239th Birthday Marines!! Semper Fi.

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress passes a resolution stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces for the recently formed Continental Nav...y. The resolution, drafted by future U.S. president John Adams and adopted in Philadelphia, created the Continental Marines and is now observed as the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.
Serving on land and at sea, the original U.S. Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations during the Revolutionary War. The first Marine landing on a hostile shore occurred when a force of Marines under Captain Samuel Nicholas captured New Province Island in the Bahamas from the British in March 1776. Nicholas was the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines and is celebrated as the first Marine commandant.
Sand art by Sand artist Orlando Adinolfi
 
 
 

martedì 4 novembre 2014

George Washington, letter to Charles Mynn Thruston, August 10, 1794; "The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745—1799," edited by John C. Fitzpatrick, 39 vols. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office (1931-44) Vol. 33, p. 465


[T]his we know, that it is not difficult by concealment of some facts, and the exaggeration of others, (where there is an influence) to bias a well-meaning mind, at least for a time, truth "will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light." – George Washington, letter to Charles Mynn Thruston, August 10, 1794; "The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745—1799," edited by John C. Fitzpatrick, 39 vols. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office (1931-44) Vol. 33, p. 465

Sand art by sand artist Orlando Adinolfi
 
 
 
 

sabato 1 novembre 2014