Vermont the 14th State

We've all heard lately the importance of learning history so that we know who we are as a people and a country.  I've said before how enlighting it is to talk to my parents about our country's history and how political decisions impact the course of history; its always interesting and sometimes scary.

Well, mom has been busy lately reading LOTS about our country's history.  She began a state by state journey educating herself on the why's and how's each state bacame a united state.  Its been fascinating to take this journey with her...sure tells alot about the social and political composition of each state even today. 

I decided to share quick simple facts on the blog. Who knows maybe you'll be inspired to delve deeper into the history of your state!  Enjoy.....

Vermont - 14th State of the United States of America

French explorers Jacques Cartier (1535) and Samuel de Champlain (1609) were the first Europeans to explore and establish French trading posts in the Vermont territory. The Vermont territory was hunting grounds to many small Indian tribes. These tribes battled amongst themselves and the new settlers who established forts and trading posts.

Vermont was beautiful, yet unsettled territory and there were many clashes between the Indians, French and British.  In some cases the Indians fought along side the French against the British.  The Treaty of Paris in 1763, also called Peace of Paris, surrendered the Vermont territory to the British.  Dispite the treaty, clashes still broke out and in 1770 Ethan Allen (Founding Father, farmer, businessman, land speculator, philosopher, writer) organized the Green Mountain Boys. They rallied the unhappy settlers in the effort to stand up to the provincial government from Britian.  Green Mountain Boys Flag above.

The Treaty of Paris in 1783, ended the Revolutionary War at which time Britian gave up control of the Vermont territoy.  It then became known as the Independent Republic of Vermont.  Then in 1791 Vermont became the 14th state of the United States of America.

Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State (the name Vermont means green mountain.) Its motto: freedom and unity. Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States.  Its state flower is the Red Clover and the state bird is the Hermit Thrush.  Vermont flag to the right.

New Summer 2010 Tees

Our new summer tees are now available for purchase on line.  We've taken the tradition of the July 4th tee and added a twist to make it more thought provoking for those who wear it and those who read it.  We also added a childrens collection for toddlers and babys....they are for the love of the Declaration of Independence in the spirit of the July 4th holiday and everyday!!  Take a look at the guys and gals Protect the US Constitution 2010 tee. 

Don't just wear a message tee...make a statement that cause people to think!! Order a tee for each family member and show that you support conservative views that are in step with the Constitution and principles laid by its Founding Fathers. Check 'em out at

http://www.standupberead.com/.

When the Music Stopped...

This was written by written by Chaplain Jim Higgins; read, honor, and remember...

When the Music Stopped...

For those who are unaware: At all military base theaters, the National Anthem is played before the movie begins. This is written from a Chaplain in Iraq :

I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All is going well until three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem, the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.

Here in Iraq ,1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again and the Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. But again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1000 Soldiers standing at attention to do?? Frankly, I expected
some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start.  But No!!... You could have heard a pin drop, while every soldier continued to stand at attention.

Suddenly,there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium, then a dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq and I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you. Remember them as they fight for us!

Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. Many have already paid the ultimate price.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins.
LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad