OFFICIAL OATH KEEPERS SPEECHES THAT JULY 4 TEA PARTY EVENTS CAN USE

Below are two Oath Keepers Speeches that can be used by any public July 4 Tea Party event and read by any veteran, current or former police officer, or active duty military. The first one is long. The second speech is very short. Use whichever best suits your event. Both include an Oath Ceremony so the entire audience can take the oath.

To get a sense for what that is like, watch this video of the oath ceremony from the April 15 Knoxville Tea Party, where 3,000 people stood and took the oath:

NOTE: Oath Keepers grants permission for public July 4, 2009 Tea Party type events to use these speeches and have a local veteran or police officer read the speech and administer the oath. We do NOT grant permission for any other type organization or events to use these speeches unless and until they contact Oath Keepers at oathkeepersok@gmail.com and secure permission. In particular, your event must be open to all, regardless of race, nationality, or religion.

SPEECH #1

The following speech has been adapted from a speech written by Houston, Texas Police Officer John Shirley, who serves as the Texas peace officer liaison for Oath Keepers. With officer Shirley’s consent, the Founder of Oath Keepers, Stewart Rhodes, has provided this speech to dozens of Tea Parties across the nation, who will all be conducting Oath Ceremonies for Independence Day. (Might be a good idea for the MC to state the above and then introduce the police officer/veteran, etc. who is giving it).

[NOTE: Please feel free to shorten as needed. See also the very short speech below].

SPEAKER: I want to thank the Tea Party Organizers for inviting me to speak to you on behalf of Oath Keepers. It’s a humbling honor to be a part of such a great and laudable gathering of Americans taking on this grand intellectual revolution.

My name is _____________ and I am a __________ (veteran ,peace officer ect.). I served in ____________ . And I am an Oath Keeper. Before I explain what the Oath Keeper Organization is all about, I’d like to first speak on the nature of Oaths in general.

Webster’s Dictionary defines an Oath as a solemn, usually formal, calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says. It also defines it as a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one's words.

Put simply, an Oath is a person’s formal promise to actually do what they say they’re going to do….

Generally speaking, we use oaths when calling upon someone to fulfill an important purpose or to take on responsibility not normally required of every person.

I took an Oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.

Our respected military service members all took an Oath to Protect and Defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic.

While many political offices require a similar Oath, among public servants only military and Police Officers have the training and means to truly fulfill the Oath…. But more importantly, we are the only ones not beholden to a political party or candidate. We are only beholden to the Constitution and to the People we serve. We are the true Guardians of the Republic!

To that end, Oath Keepers exists to remind current and veteran Police Officers and military service members of their Oath to the U.S. Constitution, and the restrictions the Constitution places on the power and scope of governmental interference into the lives of its citizens. You can go to www.oathkeepers.org to learn more and to join Oath Keepers if you want. Even if you are not current or former military, you can join up as an honorary Oath Keeper and help spread the message.

As a member of Oath Keepers, I pledge to be faithful to my Oath, and to that end and in that vein of belief, we pledge NOT to do any of the following 10 things listed in the Oath Keepers Declaration of Orders We Will NOT Obey:

We will NOT obey orders to disarm the American people.

We will NOT obey orders to conduct warrantless searches of the American people.

We will NOT obey orders to detain American citizens as “unlawful enemy combatants” or to subject them to military tribunal.

We will NOT obey orders to impose martial law or a “state of emergency” on a state.

We will NOT obey orders to invade and subjugate any state that asserts its sovereignty.

We will NOT obey any order to blockade American cities, thus turning them into giant concentration camps.

We will NOT obey any order to force American citizens into any form of detention camps under any pretext.

We will NOT obey orders to assist or support the use of any foreign troops on U.S. soil against the American people to “keep the peace” or to “maintain control.”

We will NOT obey any orders to confiscate the property of the American people, including food and other essential supplies.

We will NOT obey any orders which infringe on the right of the people to free speech, to peaceably assemble, and to petition their government for a redress of grievances.

You can read the full version of the above declaration, with explanations for each point, on the Oathkeepers.org website. While this list is not all encompassing, it lays out the types of government abuses that we see on the horizon and ones we will not tolerate nor enforce.

I want to take a minute and speak with you about things that are going on around us that aren’t receiving coverage and things we the people need to be aware of….

Number One…. Violation of the Posse Comitatus Act…. Although the Federal Government didn’t begin violating this law there, the events surrounding the Hurricane Katrina Aftermath are an egregious example of an out of control government. For months, US military troops (as well as armed government contractors), patrolled the streets of New Orleans and surrounding areas…. This is a direct violation of the law… They also took part in mass gun confiscations, including door to door searches for weapons in parts of the city that were not flooded. A natural disaster is NOT a legal reason to deny citizens of their 2^nd Amendment Rights….. Nobody has a problem with the military rescuing people from their rooftops, but its another thing entirely for them to be running armed patrols around a city. This is a job for the local and state police.

Another disturbing trend is the ongoing Urban Warfare drills going on around the country, where US troops and sometimes foreign troops will “occupy” small US cities for several days of training. We are told by press releases that these drills are to “prepare the troops for the jobs they will do overseas”, but I take issue with that reasoning. The streets of Fallujah have absolutely NOTHING in common with Main Street USA….. and the military already has mock cities and towns to train in. The only logical reason to train going door-to-door in Middle-America, practicing disarming people, is for the troops one day to do EXACTLY that, right here!

The purpose for our Armed Forces is to project force SOMEWHERE ELSE, against foreign enemies! From the days of ancient Rome, it was against the law for Caesar to march the military under color of flag across the Rubicon River… and when that rule was broken, the Roman Republic was history – Ceasar made himself emperor and Rome was ruled by Emperors from then on. We must NOT let these drills continue! How do we put the military back on track? Since most of the military is under direct Federal Control, it starts with congress…. We must elect our representatives based upon their belief in the US Constitution, as it was WRITTEN… Not based upon some phony party affiliation, or the false left versus right paradigm.

For fixing the National Guard, we encourage electing state representatives and governors that will demand the sovereignty of that State’s Guard units from the Federal Government. A little known fact is that although the National Guard of a state can be deployed by the Governor of that State, the Federal Government owns most, if not all, of the equipment they have (including weapons and vehicles)… Therefore, without the permission of the Federal Government, the state guard can’t deploy. We must demand the COMPLETE sovereignty of the State Guard from direct Federal Government control.

Number Two….. We must fight to keep our local police LOCAL… For decades, the Federal Government has gotten local politicians addicted to Federal money and now they basically control how local police departments are run. Any police chief or Sheriff who dares not follow the federal agenda risks losing millions of dollars…. In the end, the federal government doesn’t have to pass laws to militarize the police, they only have to threaten to stop the flow of grant money.

On a related note, it is our belief that the Federal Government wants to make all police into Federal Law Enforcement Officers…. This is happening through standardized training, standardized policy manuals, even standardized police identification cards. While accomplishing this is a tall order, even for the Federal Government, the handwriting is on the wall….. As the US economy suffers from the plundering by the Federal Reserve System, many large cities are quietly whispering of going into bankruptcy and how they are going to need a Federal bailout….. Mark my words…. Along with Federal Money, comes increased Federal Control…. And this takeover will be wrapped in threats of laying-off police officers and anarchy on the streets. They always use fear to obtain their goals, and this time will be no different.

What can you do, as citizens, to stop this? It may sound cliché, but its as simple as the old saying, “Support Your Local Police”

Encourage your Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to get out of the Federal Lunch Line….. Send them copies of Sheriff Mack’s Book, The County Sheriff: America’s Last Hope. Encourage your Commissioner’s Court and City Councils to return their police departments to their original intent, which is being Peace Officers…. It is the transformation of the police officer from one of being a peace officer to one of law enforcement officer that has engendered a god complex in a select few, and an “us versus them” mentality in most.

We must return our police to being IN the community, not OVER the community…. Officers need to be reminded that Community Policing is not new, it’s actually what being a peace officer was all about 100 years ago…. In the name of efficiency and response times, officers no longer know the people or businesses they serve. They are discouraged from getting out of their cars and meeting business owners, citizens, or pastors, in the name of “productivity”…

I encourage citizens to get to know their local police officers by name….. Invite your officer’s to a block party…. Have them over for coffee… Let them know that you appreciate the hard job they have. The more that local officers feel like they’re a PART of the community and not only there to “take out the garbage”, the less likely they are get the “bunker mentality”.

These men and women are the real last official line of defense between you and tyranny…. Because it doesn’t matter how many laws come out of the State Capitol or Washington D.C. What matters are the public servants that are out in the community choosing whether to serve the government or serve the people.

Lastly, once you have that relationship built, encourage them to join Oath Keepers….

I know there must be a lot of you out there that are either current or retired military and police….

I would ask all current or retired military to raise their hands….

I would also ask all current or retired police officers to raise their hands….

Now, I would ask everyone else to shake their hands or pat them on the back and thank them for protecting the Constitution… Because at the end of the day, that is what these men and women do….. They are the real protectors of the Constitution… The real protectors of our rights….. Its these men and women that separate us from tyranny.

Thank all of you for your service to the people and the Constitution.

It has become an Oath Keepers tradition (albeit short lived), for whenever we speak to a group, we administer n Oath to the Constitution….. And we encourage everyone here to join and take it along with military men and peace officers who wish to renew their oaths. When the chips are down (and people, right now the chips are down….) we are ALL protectors of the Constitution.

If you are compelled to take the oath, please stand and repeat after me:

OATH KEEPERS OATH:

I, ___________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support

and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, against all

enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the

same, and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or

purpose of evasion, pledging my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor. So

help me, God.

Now all we ask is for you to be true to your oath, and spread the word…. For more information I encourage everyone to visit www.oathkeepers.org. There you will see testimonials from officers around the country and soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coasties and Fire - Fighters who share their commitment to YOU and the CONSTITUTION.

Thank you for your attention and God Bless America.

SPEECH #2

HERE IS A MUCH SHORTER SPEECH YOU CAN USE IF YOU HAVE LIMITED TIME – Written by former Army Ranger, David Helms:

Oath Keepers

Thanks to _____________________ for allowing me to speak and thanks to all of you who came out today. My name is ________________________ and I am an Oath Keeper. Before I explain what an Oath Keeper is I have a few questions: Do we have any active duty service members here? Any veterans? Any current or former law enforcement personnel? Do we have any patriots? Very good, I want to thank you all for your service.

____________________, when I was inducted into __________________________I took an oath. This is how that oath read:

“I, _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God.” (or whatever version of the oath you took).

Now let me explain what I meant when I said I was an Oath Keeper. Oath Keepers is an organization founded by former Army paratrooper and Yale-educated attorney, Stewart Rhodes. Its membership is comprised of active duty service members, veterans, law enforcement personnel, and fire-fighters who will honor their oaths to defend the Constitution, who will not just follow orders, who will stand for liberty, and who will save the Republic, so help us God. Our motto is: “Not on our watch!”

Oath Keepers is a non-partisan organization. Its purpose is to remind those of us who have taken the oath of our duty to the Constitution. Our oath wasn’t to an officer in the ranks above us, or to a politician, or even to a president. It was to the Constitution. This means that not only will we obey lawful constitutional orders but that we MUST refuse unlawful, unconstitutional orders. This is not only our right it is the law, it is our DUTY, and the essence of the oath we took. For if we follow an unlawful, unconstitutional order, how can we possibly be supporting and defending the Constitution? Based on that reality, Oath Keepers has issued a Declaration of ten orders we will not obey. Here are those ten orders:

1. We will NOT obey orders to disarm the American people.

2. We will NOT obey orders to conduct warrantless searches of the American people.

3. We will NOT obey orders to detain American citizens as “unlawful enemy combatants” or to subject them to military tribunal.

4. We will NOT obey orders to impose martial law or a “state of emergency” on a state.

5. We will NOT obey orders to invade and subjugate any state that asserts its sovereignty.

6. We will NOT obey any order to blockade American cities, thus turning them into giant concentration camps.

7. We will NOT obey any order to force American citizens into any form of detention camps under any pretext.

8. We will NOT obey orders to assist or support the use of any foreign troops on U.S. soil against the American people to “keep the peace” or to “maintain control."

9. We will NOT obey any orders to confiscate the property of the American people, including food and other essential supplies.

10. We will NOT obey any orders which infringe on the right of the people to free speech, to peaceably assemble, and to petition their government for a redress of grievances.

In closing I would like to ask two things:

1. If you are in military service or law enforcement remember your oath! You may someday find yourselves as a last bulwark against tyranny.
2. If you believe in this Constitutional Republic of ours, whether you’ve ever been in military or law enforcement or not, and you would like to swear an Oath to defend the constitution, please stand, raise your right hand and take the oath with me now.

Repeat after me:

OATH KEEPERS OATH:

I, ___________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support

and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, against all

enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the

same, and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or

purpose of evasion, pledging my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor. So

help me, God.

Thank you again for allowing me to be here and if you’d like additional information on Oath Keepers please visit our website at: oathkeepers.org

Testimonial of John Mitchel, LtCol, USAF (Ret)

Please add me to the list of veterans, police officers, firemen and other public servants who have reaffirmed their oath to defend those individual rights guaranteed by our founding documents.

I consider my oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic" to be a lifelong commitment, and even though I am no longer on active duty, I am obligated to stand with the people whenever local, state or federal governments act to undermine those self-evident rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Very respectfully,

John Mitchel

LtCol, USAF (Ret)

Marine Veteran: "pledging my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor"

I feel the true measure of a man or a woman is what is in their heart and how willing are they to act upon that. Taking an oath, or making a even a simple promise are key to the real value of someone. I have worked very hard to impress this upon my own sons, they know that when “Dad” gives his word, that is the way it will be PERIOD, and that I will not settle for anything less from them or from myself. I am very proud to say all 3 sons will be standing on those yellow foot prints at M.C.R.D. within a year.

I took my first oath during the 70's when I enlisted into the U.S.M.C., I was a teenager at the time, looking back I did not fully understand that oath's full meaning, that understanding came over time as I matured, my eyes opened to the real value of a mans word given, and to always carefully consider any oath or promises made. I am proud I took that oath, and ashamed that at times I was caught up with the typical right Vs. left argument that seems to consume most Americans that for a time I lost sight that I am an AMERICAN and not a Republican or a Democrat or anything else beyond that. If I stay true to my promises made and oaths taken I will always do what is best for my God and my country, so again I say for all to witness...

I, David Kale, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, pledging my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor. So help me, God.

We took an oath to defend and uphold the Constitution, no where does the Constitution allow the Government to take from one man and give it to another, I challenge my fellow Oath Keepers to send any and all stimulus monies given to them back to the Government, or donate it to a worth while charity, if we are going to keep our oath.. we first start by living it to the best of our ability, both my wife and myself have taken no stimulis checks, payments or monies.

Ladies and Gentleman, I leave you with this one ideal.. it is better to live and even die on your feet as a free man or woman, than it is live on your knees at the feet of a loving and caring master.

Best regards to my brothers and sisters who keep their oaths and promises,

David Kale

OATH KEEPERS:

David will hopefully be speaking on behalf of Oath Keepers at both the Salt Lake City Tea Party and the Provo, Utah Tea Party (if he can arrange it schedule wise). Talk about doing double duty!

Thank you David for stepping up. We are fully confident that you will represent us with honor and spirit.

David stepped up on his own initiative and volunteered to speak at his local Tea Party events.

It is not too late for you to do likewise in your area. Approach your local Tea Party organizers - why would they not want to have a veteran speak on behalf of Oath Keepers or lead the Tea Party participants in taking the oath?

It makes for a memorable and very meaningful event, and it is something positive for a change, amid all the negative news we are bombarded with daily. It is a message of courage and hope, and it is fully fitting for a day when we should be rededicating ourselves to both the ideals of the American Revolution, and the resolve and determination of our forefathers.

July 4 is rivaled only by April 19 for evoking that spirit - the spirit of 76. And our oath, and our stand in honor of it, is a powerful tool to use to dispel fear and to spark the fire of liberty that still burns somewhere down inside every American.

The Oath is a powerful force for good. Use it.

Stewart Rhodes

An Uplifting Song and Video: Calling All the Clans Together, by James Hooker

We did it once. If we must, we´ll do it again. - James Hooker

That is the message of this inspiring song and video. Anyone with eyes to see should recognize that there is a political/economic "perfect storm" brewing on the horizon. We should not shut our eyes to it. As Patrick Henry said:

"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it."

We must do likewise. But that doesn't mean we should despair. To the contrary, seeing fully what may lay ahead, it is nonetheless time we stood up and calmly resolved to follow in the hallowed footsteps of all those who have come before us, throughout human history, who have struggled and fought to be free. Let us do so with resolute hearts and grim determination, but also with the joy, love, and peace that comes from a people throwing off fear and showing the world what a free people can do even in hardship. As in the past, we shall rise to the occasion.

Remember always, that none of us get's out of here alive. What matters most is that our children and our grandchildren shall be free. That's all that matters. Remember the immortal words of Thomas Paine:

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God. - Thomas Paine, The Crisis, 1776

REMEMBERING D-DAY: Remember WHY they Fought and WHAT They Fought Against

D-Day veteran salutes 3 Para as it performs a commemorative drop over the Pegasus Bridge. Read the article here.

Remember why they fought.

Remember what they fought.

They fought to stop Hitler's death machine and to free the people of Europe who had been enslaved by the invading Nazis. They fought against Fascism and Nazi-ism. They fought against totalitarianism. Remember that. And make damn sure that their sacrifice, their pain, suffering, disability, and death was not in vain.
Make damn sure that what they fought against over there is not allowed to happen here, at home. Not on our watch!

Sadly, we can see a similar pattern of expansion of dangerous power happening here, today, as happened in Germany in the 1930s. Claims of unlimited government "war" power, of extraordinary emergency powers, and a relentless consolidation of all powers into the hands of the few, and ultimately into the hands of "the One" as the executive branch has steadily, over several administrations, increased its claimed and de-facto powers.

As in Germany, we see the perversion of the law into a weapon of arbitrary oppression in the hands of whoever happens to hold power. We see the denial of individual rights and the creation of a second legal track for those accused of being enemies of the state. We see the expansion of war powers and their application against internal "enemies" of the state as well as against foreign enemies - we see a tearing down of any wall of separation between what can be done on a foreign battlefield and what the government claims the power to do here at home.

We see also a similar pattern of nationalization of local police, with federally funded "fusion centers" and multi-jurisdictional task forces increasingly blurring the lines between national and local, making the local police increasingly beholden to, and under the direction of, federal law enforcement. This is precisely what happened in German once the Nazis came to power - for the first time in German history the local police were nationalized and placed under the command of the internal police branch of the SS.And we see a similar pattern of relentless demonization and smearing of an ever expanding list of those the government considers "threats" - which is to say, threats to its goals.

Don't think for a moment that "it can't happen here." While we Americans certainly enjoy a legacy and heritage of liberty and resistance to tyranny far stronger than that of Germany, we are not immune to "it" happening here.

Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right ...

And not only do we have a national government that increasingly acts like a fascist government regardless of which of the two major parties are in power - nationalizing industries, tearing down our Bill of Rights, setting aside the normal rule of law - we even have pathetic and treasonous American "national socialists" and "neo" - Nazis - and their slick apologists and front men - here among us who still worship Hitler and who deny the crimes of the Nazis. They have utterly no respect for what our Grandfathers and fathers did. To the contrary, they believe we fought on the wrong side in World War II and they wish the Nazis had prevailed.














Nazi Scum Then ....

Nazi Scum Now

They are as much collectivist enemies of our Constitutional Republic as any devoted communist. Though presently they are not nearly as powerful as the more ascendant brands of collectivists, they are cut from the same cloth. They too long for the destruction of this Republic so they can institute their own collectivist vision of a new America. Remember that.

So, honor those who fought totalitarianism by resolving to make sure 'it"does not happen here, in whatever flavor of totalitarian collectivism "it" may come in, from the so-called left or the so-called right.

Fight them all, because they are all the deadly enemies of our Republic, of the principles of our Declaration of Independence - which declared that all men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with certain unalianable rights - and deadly enemies of the individual liberty of all of our children.



















Two Black Panthers block the entrance to a polling
center. Just for "security," of course. They wouldn't dream of intimidating any voters.

Collectivist Trash Using Intimidation Then .... and Now

Fight them all, to the death if need be, just like your fathers and grandfathers did on the beaches of Normandy and then across Europe, and from island to island in the bloody pacific.

Your fathers and Grandfathers were willing to give all, and all too many of them did just that. You are honor bound to do the same if you must.

You took the same oath they did, to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. They kept their oath. You must keep yours. Remember, when you took that oath, you lost the option of ducking out.

Guardians of the Republic, honor your fathers. Honor your oath.

Oath Keepers

They Kept Their Promises. They Honored Their Oaths. Will You?

Here are three excellent articles on D-Day:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525263,00.html

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6438329.ece

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/06/03/dday.stories/

Here is General Eisenhower's address to the troops right before the invasion:

And here are just some of the men of D-Day who displayed uncommon courage as a common virtue among American fighting men:

The Normandy Invasion:
Medal of Honor Recipients

Found here.

BARRETT, CARLTON W.

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944. Entered service at: Albany, N.Y. Birth: Fulton, N.Y. G.O. No.: 78, 2 October 1944. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in the vicinity of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France. On the morning of D-day Pvt. Barrett, landing in the face of extremely heavy enemy fire, was forced to wade ashore through neck-deep water. Disregarding the personal danger, he returned to the surf again and again to assist his floundering comrades and save them from drowning. Refusing to remain pinned down by the intense barrage of small-arms and mortar fire poured at the landing points, Pvt. Barrett, working with fierce determination, saved many lives by carrying casualties to an evacuation boat Iying offshore. In addition to his assigned mission as guide, he carried dispatches the length of the fire-swept beach; he assisted the wounded; he calmed the shocked; he arose as a leader in the stress of the occasion. His coolness and his dauntless daring courage while constantly risking his life during a period of many hours had an inestimable effect on his comrades and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

*BUTTS, JOHN E.

Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Co. E, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: Normandy, France, 14, 16, and 23 June 1944. Entered service at: Buffalo, N.Y. Birth: Medina, N.Y. G.O. No.: 58, 19 July 1945. Citation: Heroically led his platoon against the enemy in Normandy, France, on 14, 16, and 23 June 1944. Although painfully wounded on the 14th near Orglandes and again on the 16th while spearheading an attack to establish a bridgehead across the Douve River, he refused medical aid and remained with his platoon. A week later, near Flottemanville Hague, he led an assault on a tactically important and stubbornly defended hill studded with tanks, antitank guns, pillboxes, and machinegun emplacements, and protected by concentrated artillery and mortar fire. As the attack was launched, 2d Lt. Butts, at the head of his platoon, was critically wounded by German machinegun fire. Although weakened by his injuries, he rallied his men and directed 1 squad to make a flanking movement while he alone made a frontal assault to draw the hostile fire upon himself. Once more he was struck, but by grim determination and sheer courage continued to crawl ahead. When within 10 yards of his objective, he was killed by direct fire. By his superb courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions, 2d Lt. Butts enabled his platoon to take a formidable strong point and contributed greatly to the success of his battalion's mission.

*DEGLOPPER, CHARLES N.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Co. C, 325th Glider Infantry, 82d Airborne Division. Place and date: Merderet River at la Fiere, France, 9 June 1944. Entered service at: Grand Island, N.Y. Birth: Grand Island, N.Y. G.O. No.: 22, 28 February 1946. Citation: He was a member of Company C, 325th Glider Infantry, on 9 June 1944 advancing with the forward platoon to secure a bridgehead across the Merderet River at La Fiere, France. At dawn the platoon had penetrated an outer line of machineguns and riflemen, but in so doing had become cut off from the rest of the company. Vastly superior forces began a decimation of the stricken unit and put in motion a flanking maneuver which would have completely exposed the American platoon in a shallow roadside ditch where it had taken cover. Detecting this danger, Pfc. DeGlopper volunteered to support his comrades by fire from his automatic rifle while they attempted a withdrawal through a break in a hedgerow 40 yards to the rear. Scorning a concentration of enemy automatic weapons and rifle fire, he walked from the ditch onto the road in full view of the Germans, and sprayed the hostile positions with assault fire. He was wounded, but he continued firing. Struck again, he started to fall; and yet his grim determination and valiant fighting spirit could not be broken. Kneeling in the roadway, weakened by his grievous wounds, he leveled his heavy weapon against the enemy and fired burst after burst until killed outright. He was successful in drawing the enemy action away from his fellow soldiers, who continued the fight from a more advantageous position and established the first bridgehead over the Merderet. In the area where he made his intrepid stand his comrades later found the ground strewn with dead Germans and many machineguns and automatic weapons which he had knocked out of action. Pfc. DeGlopper's gallant sacrifice and unflinching heroism while facing unsurmountable odds were in great measure responsible for a highly important tactical victory in the Normandy Campaign.

EHLERS, WALTER D.

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and dare: Near Goville, France, 9-10 June 1944. Entered service at: Manhattan, Kans. Birth: Junction City, Kans. G.O. No.: 91, 19 December 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 9-10 June 1944, near Goville, France. S/Sgt. Ehlers, always acting as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men against heavily defended enemy strong points exposing himself to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic and courageous leadership. Without waiting for an order, S/Sgt. Ehlers, far ahead of his men, led his squad against a strongly defended enemy strong point, personally killing 4 of an enemy patrol who attacked him en route. Then crawling forward under withering machinegun fire, he pounced upon the guncrew and put it out of action. Turning his attention to 2 mortars protected by the crossfire of 2 machineguns, S/Sgt. Ehlers led his men through this hail of bullets to kill or put to flight the enemy of the mortar section, killing 3 men himself. After mopping up the mortar positions, he again advanced on a machinegun, his progress effectively covered by his squad. When he was almost on top of the gun he leaped to his feet and, although greatly outnumbered, he knocked out the position single-handed. The next day, having advanced deep into enemy territory, the platoon of which S/Sgt. Ehlers was a member, finding itself in an untenable position as the enemy brought increased mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire to bear on it, was ordered to withdraw. S/Sgt. Ehlers, after his squad had covered the withdrawal of the remainder of the platoon, stood up and by continuous fire at the semicircle of enemy placements, diverted the bulk of the heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting the members of his own squad to withdraw. At this point, though wounded himself, he carried his wounded automatic rifleman to safety and then returned fearlessly over the shell-swept field to retrieve the automatic rifle which he was unable to carry previously. After having his wound treated, he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. The intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness displayed by S/Sgt. Ehlers in the face of overwhelming enemy forces serve as an inspiration to others.

*COLE, ROBERT G.

Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division. Place and date: Near Carentan, France, 11 June 1944. Entered service at: San Antonio, Tex. Birth: Fort Sam Houston, Tex. G.O. No.: 79, 4 October 1944. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty on 11 June 1944, in France. Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last 4 bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over 1 hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man's rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of our bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lt. Col. Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service.

*DEFRANZO, ARTHUR F.

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Vaubadon, France, 10 June 1944. Entered service at: Saugus, Mass. Birth: Saugus, Mass. G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, on 10 June 1944, near Vaubadon, France. As scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machineguns and hit 1 of the men. S/Sgt. DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety. Refusing aid, S/Sgt. DeFranzo reentered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least 2 machineguns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but S/Sgt. DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy and 1 by 1 the enemy emplacements became silent. While advancing he was again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up behind him, S/Sgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy machinegun position and completely destroyed the gun. In this action, S/Sgt. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company's advance with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by S/Sgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.

*KELLY, JOHN D.

Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant (then Corporal), U.S. Army, Company E, 314th Infantry, 79th Infantry Division. Place and date: Fort du Roule, Cherbourg, France, 25 June 1944. Entered service at: Cambridge Springs, Pa. Birth: Venango Township, Pa. G.O. No.: 6, 24 January 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 25 June 1944, in the vicinity of Fort du Roule, Cherbourg, France, when Cpl. Kelly's unit was pinned down by heavy enemy machinegun fire emanating from a deeply entrenched strongpoint on the slope leading up to the fort, Cpl. Kelly volunteered to attempt to neutralize the strongpoint. Arming himself with a pole charge about 10 feet long and with 15 pounds of explosive affixed, he climbed the slope under a withering blast of machinegun fire and placed the charge at the strongpoint's base. The subsequent blast was ineffective, and again, alone and unhesitatingly, he braved the slope to repeat the operation. This second blast blew off the ends of the enemy guns. Cpl. Kelly then climbed the slope a third time to place a pole charge at the strongpoint's rear entrance. When this had been blown open he hurled hand grenades inside the position, forcing survivors of the enemy guncrews to come out and surrender The gallantry, tenacity of purpose, and utter disregard for personal safety displayed by Cpl. Kelly were an incentive to his comrades and worthy of emulation by all.

*MONTEITH, JIMMIE W., JR.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944. Entered service at: Richmond, Va. Born: 1 July 1917, Low Moor, Va. G.O. No.: 20, 29 March 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. 1st Lt. Monteith landed with the initial assault waves on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire. Without regard to his own personal safety he continually moved up and down the beach reorganizing men for further assault. He then led the assault over a narrow protective ledge and across the flat, exposed terrain to the comparative safety of a cliff. Retracing his steps across the field to the beach, he moved over to where 2 tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy artillery and machinegun fire. Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1st Lt. Monteith led the tanks on foot through a minefield and into firing positions. Under his direction several enemy positions were destroyed. He then rejoined his company and under his leadership his men captured an advantageous position on the hill. Supervising the defense of his newly won position against repeated vicious counterattacks, he continued to ignore his own personal safety, repeatedly crossing the 200 or 300 yards of open terrain under heavy fire to strengthen links in his defensive chain. When the enemy succeeded in completely surrounding 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and while leading the fight out of the situation, 1st Lt. Monteith was killed by enemy fire. The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership displayed by 1st Lt. Monteith is worthy of emulation.

OGDEN, CARLOS C.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company K, 314th Infantry, 79th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Fort du Roule, France, 25 June 1944. Entered service at: Fairmont, Ill. Born: 19 May 1917, Borton, Ill. G.O. No.: 49, 28 June 1945. Citation: On the morning of 25 June 1944, near Fort du Roule, guarding the approaches to Cherbourg, France, 1st Lt. Ogden's company was pinned down by fire from a German 88-mm. gun and 2 machineguns. Arming himself with an M-1 rifle, a grenade launcher, and a number of rifle and handgrenades, he left his company in position and advanced alone, under fire, up the slope toward the enemy emplacements. Struck on the head and knocked down by a glancing machinegun bullet, 1st Lt. Ogden, in spite of his painful wound and enemy fire from close range, continued up the hill. Reaching a vantage point, he silenced the 88mm. gun with a well-placed rifle grenade and then, with handgrenades, knocked out the 2 machineguns, again being painfully wounded. 1st Lt. Ogden's heroic leadership and indomitable courage in alone silencing these enemy weapons inspired his men to greater effort and cleared the way for the company to continue the advance and reach its objectives.

*PEREGORY, FRANK D.

Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company K 116th Infantry, 29th Infantry Division. Place and date: Grandcampe France, 8 June 1944. Entered service at: Charlottesville, Va. Born. 10 April 1915, Esmont, Va. G.O. No.: 43, 30 May 1945. Citation: On 8 June 1944, the 3d Battalion of the 116th Infantry was advancing on the strongly held German defenses at Grandcampe, France, when the leading elements were suddenly halted by decimating machinegun fire from a firmly entrenched enemy force on the high ground overlooking the town. After numerous attempts to neutralize the enemy position by supporting artillery and tank fire had proved ineffective, T/Sgt. Peregory, on his own initiative, advanced up the hill under withering fire, and worked his way to the crest where he discovered an entrenchment leading to the main enemy fortifications 200 yards away. Without hesitating, he leaped into the trench and moved toward the emplacement. Encountering a squad of enemy riflemen, he fearlessly attacked them with handgrenades and bayonet, killed 8 and forced 3 to surrender. Continuing along the trench, he single-handedly forced the surrender of 32 more riflemen, captured the machine gunners, and opened the way for the leading elements of the battalion to advance and secure its objective. The extraordinary gallantry and aggressiveness displayed by T/Sgt. Peregory are exemplary of the highest tradition of the armed forces.

*PINDER, JOHN J., JR.

Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944. Entered .service at: Burgettstown, Pa. Birth: McKees Rocks, Pa. G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. On D-day, Technician 5th Grade Pinder landed on the coast 100 yards off shore under devastating enemy machinegun and artillery fire which caused severe casualties among the boatload. Carrying a vitally important radio, he struggled towards shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards from his craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely wounded. Technician 5th Grade Pinder never stopped. He made shore and delivered the radio. Refusing to take cover afforded, or to accept medical attention for his wounds, Technician 5th Grade Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss of blood and in fierce pain, on 3 occasions went into the fire-swept surf to salvage communication equipment. He recovered many vital parts and equipment, including another workable radio. On the 3rd trip he was again hit, suffering machinegun bullet wounds in the legs. Still this valiant soldier would not stop for rest or medical attention. Remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire, growing steadily weaker, he aided in establishing the vital radio communication on the beach. While so engaged this dauntless soldier was hit for the third time and killed. The indomitable courage and personal bravery of Technician 5th Grade Pinder was a magnificent inspiration to the men with whom he served.

*ROOSEVELT, THEODORE, JR.

Rank and organization: brigadier general, U.S. Army. Place and date: Normandy invasion, 6 June 1944. Entered service at: Oyster Bay, N.Y. Birth: Oyster Bay, N.Y. G.O. No.: 77, 28 September 1944. Citation: for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France.

* - Denotes a posthumous award

This Memorial Day: Remember, Honor, Resolve

Posterity: you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.” –John Adams

Remember all who came before you, from Lexington Green and Concord Bridge, through all the many battles fought, to today.

Remember their sacrifice - they gave life and limb, they gave their youth. They bore the scars, the terror, the hardship.

Remember that they were guardians of the Republic. Remember that they swore the same oath you did, and fought out of love of country and out of love of their buddies, and that many gave all in keeping that oath.

Remember that your oath has no expiration date. “Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives.” –John Adams, letter to Benjamin Rush, April 18, 1808.

And then honor all those who came before by resolving to keep your oath just as faithfully, come what may. How can any of us do less?

- Oath Keepers

“All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.” –Edmond Burke

Obama Pushes for Anti-Gun Treaty That Could Subject American Citizens to Extradition and Trial in Foreign Courts

Here is a direct link to the CNN video:

The Treaty is called the INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST THE ILLICIT MANUFACTURING OF AND TRAFFICKING IN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES, AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS

It is more commonly known by its Spanish acronym, SIFTA, and was signed by then President Clinton in 1997 but was not ratified by the Senate. You can read the text of the treaty here.
Here is a Politico article on Obama's resurrection of this treaty signed by Clinton. And here is one in the Washington Post. And here is a good article about this proposed treaty in the Gun Rights Examiner, which discusses how it could even reach reloaders who are trying to save a buck in the face of increasing ammo prices. And here is an excellent write up by Gun Owners of America which further expands on the sweeping ramifications of this very vague treaty.

Hmm, I wonder what will happen if I do this ...

Obama: Sticking His Hand Down a Badger Hole to See What Happens

I am increasingly convinced that Obama and his advisers are socially and politically "autistic" in a way - they just don't get it.

First, Obama shows how clueless he is by making the modest proposal that returning injured and disabled war veterans should have to pay for their own medical care, thus insulting not just millions of veterans, but also sending a clear message to the current serving military of just what Obama thinks of them - not much.

Then his underlings in the DHS insult millions of us veterans (and also current serving military) yet again by categorizing us as potential terrorist threats. Either the people in power in the Obama administration truly are clueless or they just can't help letting us "traditional Americans" know what they really think of us.

And now, even though members of his own party have warned him repeatedly that trying to enact gun control is really not a good idea, Obama just cannot resist the temptation to stick his hand down that particular badger hole and start poking around, oblivious to the potential unintended consequences, by seeking to impose a byzantine regime of gun registration and tracking on the American people by means of this international treaty.

And according to the language in this proposed treaty, U.S. citizens accused of violating its terms would be punished under international law and would be subject to extradition to foreign countries:

Article XIX
Extradition

1. This article shall apply to the offenses referred to in Article IV of this Convention.

2. Each of the offenses to which this article applies shall be deemed to be included as an extraditable offense in any extradition treaty in force between or among the States Parties. The States Parties undertake to include such offenses as extraditable offenses in every extradition treaty to be concluded between or among them.

3. If a State Party that makes extradition conditional on the existence of a treaty receives a request for extradition from another State Party with which it does not have an extradition treaty, it may consider this Convention as the legal basis for extradition with respect to any offense to which this article applies.

That means the U.S. government could arrest you for something you did at home, in the U.S. and then, if it so chose, extradite you, sending you away to a foreign nation for trial for violating this anti-gun treaty.

Does that sound familiar? It should. Remember, among the grievances against King George listed in the Declaration of Independence were:

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: ....

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

This proposed treaty thus combines several of the causes of our Revolution. Good lord, is Obama trying to repeat history? - Stewart Rhodes

A Testimonial Showing That Commitment to Defend the Constitution Cuts Across Party Lines

David Claiborne said...

I must admit, when I first saw the YouTube video I was a little bothered... the idea seemed to be that suddenly because Obama is in power we must be on the verge of a communist authoritarian state... my immediate response was, "where the hell where you for the last 8 years?!"

Reading Mr. Rhodes' comments here, it's clear you were vocal about the abuses of power under Bush 43, and I commend you for this. I tend to "lean to the left" (at least by the definition of the far-right) but while I'm very progressive, I'm a life-long libertarian who was strongly and openly opposed to many of Clinton's policies. I believe 8 years of the neocons and their crimes pushed me further to the left, but nothing can make me renounce the Constitution and my freedom.

Overall I like Obama much more than Bush or even Clinton, but his reluctance to quickly overturn Bush's "unitary executive" nonsense is very troubling to me.

I commend you for your efforts and your integrity. I pray your organization does not become a haven for the far-right movement which is clamoring for revolution not on the basis of watching a slow and steady erosion of liberties over the course of American history, but simply because liberals are now in power.

My family has been in this country since before the revolutionary war, we have fought on battlefields and toiled in the streets to make this country a better place and to preserve our inalienable rights.

I will keep an eye on your organization, if it is truly non-partisan and based on principles not power-grabbing, I will support your work and stand with you against tyranny should that awful necessity arise.

The above was left as a comment by David Clairborne on our post of our Declaration of Orders We Will Not Obey. David's is one of the more thoughtful comments submitted by someone who self-identifies as being on the political left.

Unlike others who jump to the conclusion that we Oath Keepers are simply angry because Republicans are no longer in power, or worse, assert that we are somehow racists because we dare oppose the actions of Obama (as though we are only angry that a black man is in the White House), David has the intellectual integrity to recognize the fact that I, the founder of Oath Keepers, was a very outspoken critic of the Bush Administration - especially when it came to asserted executive war powers.

And the same is also true for David Freeman, Jim Ayala, and others at the core of Oath Keepers, including active duty military and police. In fact, Dave, Jim and I all met while we were working as volunteers for Congressman Ron Paul's campaign. If any label fits us, the best one is "constitutionalist" and perhaps libertarian, but certainly not neocons. That also goes for the active duty men who have contribute to this cause - they are first and foremost constitutionalists. And from my experience with the hundred of people who have written us, as well as my conversations with those who gathered at Lexington, I think the best label that fits the great majority of them is also "constitutionalists" rather than party loyal Republicans. That should be no surprise, given the focus of this effort on our mutual oath to defend the Constitution, not any party.

I thank you David for expressing your commitment to defend the Constitution and for having the honor and integrity to recognize the sad truth that Obama has not denied, refuted, or recinded any of the extaordinary claims of "unitary executive" power that were asserted by Bush and his fake-conservative lawyers (who conserved nothing) such as John Yoo.

Sadly, this is what I and others at the core of Oath Keepers expected. For years now I have tried to warn Republicans that one day the shoe would be on the other foot, and all the powers that Bush claimed would be in the hands of their political opponents and would be used against them. Yet, even I have been surprised at how swiftly the Obama Admin. has turned the war on terrorism inward, on those considered to be on the political right. Bush built a massive internal security-state infrastructure, but Obama appears bound and determined to actually use it against us.

When there is a boot on the back of your neck, it matters little whether it is a left boot or a right boot. My goal over the years has always been the same, regardless of which party is in power: to keep the boot of tyranny off the back of our necks. Oath Keepers is simply the latest phase of that effort. It's not about party, its about freedom vs. tyranny. It's about the Constitution.

- Stewart Rhodes

Knoxville Tennessee Activist Leader Rand Cardwell's Thoughts on the April 19 Gathering on Lexington Green

To say the least, it was an inspirational event with top-notched speakers and plenty of like-minded patriots. It is really difficult to put into words the surge of emotions and pride that are still reverberating inside of us.

I was one of the organizers of the Knoxville Tea Party on April 15th. The Oath Keepers ceremony that was conducted at the close of that event was awesome. Over 2,000 of "we the people" stood side by side, raised our right hands and reaffirmed oaths or took it for the first time. The unity of spirit, the love for the this nation, and respect for all those that have paid for our freedoms that we enjoy today, will be a memory that I will cherish the rest of my life.

The event at Lexington Green was more powerful. Maybe it was the historical significance of the location. Being a lifelong history buff, I understood the importance of the site. I understood the implications of the Oath Keeper ceremony being conducted on the site and on the anniversary of the "shot heard around the world." I understand that now, more than anytime in my life, that our nation needs this modern version of the same resolve of the eight men that lay buried on the Green. The resolve to stand against tyranny; against massive odds; to stand together with our fellow man in defiance. There are only five people in our nation that attended both of these events. My wife and I are both honored to be part of that small group.

The speakers were motivating and informative. Several topics were touched upon, but all had a recurring theme, which was one of less government and a return to the foundation principles of our Constitution. Mr. Walter Ready, Head of the Committees of Safety, outlined why we were there, on the hallowed ground of Lexington Green, and the direction that his organization is leading in the effort to put "teeth" into the current wave of State Sovereignty legislation that is sweeping the nation.

Garrett Lear, the Patriot Preacher, gave an excellent speech about the Christian beliefs that were held by the men that stood on the Green in 1775. Dressed in traditional clothing of the era, Pastor Lear also spoke of the role of the Church and the "Black Robe Brigade" during the Revolution. He also led us in prayer, which was very touching and invoked a solemness for the event.

The famed Constitutional lawyer Edwin Vieira could not make the event, but Mr.Tom Moor read his speech with passion and Mr. Vieira's words still moved many in the audience, even in his absence.

Lt. Cmdr. Guy Cunningham beamed with pure energy as his voice rang from the podium. I couldn't help but to compare him to a Southern Baptist preacher in the style and enthusiasm the expression his beliefs. Sheriff Richard Mack gave a passionate speech about the role of a Constitutional Sheriff, which was well received by the audience.

Stewart Rhodes gave another excellent speech that echoed in the same eloquence that he did in Knoxville; "Not On Our Watch", which was often repeated in great numbers from the crowd. Stewart had to stop the flow of his speech several times as people in the crowd would shout out support.

Famed Navy SEAL Capt. Larry Bailey was the man that administered the oath ceremony. This proven warrior, whose exploits fill the pages of several accounts of the Viet Nam War, gave further resolve to the active-duty military, veterans, Law Enforcement Officers, civil servants, and patriots as we raised our right hand and reaffirmed our oaths. At the end of the ceremony there were very few that didn't have tears in their eyes.

As people started mingling afterward, I took a private moment and went as stood on the actual location of the line that the militia stood on that faithful day in 1775. Volunteers had come earlier in the day and driven a series of wooden stakes in the ground to mark that location. With all the people around, at that point talking and socializing, I allowed myself a moment to remember those men. Of the eight that now lay under a monument on the NW corner of the Green. Of the one man, fatally wounded, that crawled off the Green into the arms of his wife to die on his doorstep. Of the 80-year old man that answered the call that morning, that gave the field to the overwhelming strength of the British, but continued to fight throughout the day. Taking a total of five shots and killing three redcoats before being shot in the face and bayoneted several times. When found by his family, who first thought him to be dead, saw that as he lay on the ground he was reloading his musket. He lived to be 98. I thought of Capt. John Parker and the words that he spoke to that small group as the British army advanced. “Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”

Capt. Parker, we hear your words through the years. Just as the men of Lexington stood that day, we now are duty bound to do the same. May our resolve be as strong as theirs. May our nerve not falter. May we shoot straight if the need comes. Yes Sir, Capt Parker, WE WILL STAND OUR GROUND. You can count on us.

NOT ON OUR WATCH

In Freedom,
Rand Cardwell
Oath Keeper since 1986

Staying true regardless of consequences

In 1962 at the ripe old age of 17yrs, I convinced my mother that military service was more important than school and she relented and signed for me to enlist in the army. I still remember taking the oath in Cleveland, OH. It was the proudest moment of my life. My intention was to make a career of the Army.

After basic I was sent to the First Infantry Division at Fort Riley Kansas. Because of the racial tensions at that time we started training for riot control. I was shocked as was my fellow soldiers to what the government

(DOD) expected us to do to control the American people in a time of riots or rebellion.

We were told that we risked prison if we didn't follow "Orders". We agreed that some of those "Orders" would NOT be obeyed by any of us against our own people even if it meant prison.

We all felt that we enlisted to protect the American people. So I know what the government is capable of. I chose not to reenlist in 1965 but I have never forgotten what Washington expected of the military. I truly loved the Army and I am proud of my service to my country but I joined to be a Patriot not a Traitor. I am just about the same size now and keep myself in good condition and I do keep and bear arms and ammunition because I understood that someday I might have to fight the very ones who would have me harm Americans.

God Bless America and God Bless The Oath Keepers!