From the description..
“To The Shores of Tripoli” commemorates the 200th anniversary of the U.S.S. Constitution bombarding the Fort of Tripoli, now Libya, on August 4th 1804. President Thomas Jefferson had sent the U.S.S. Siren,& six gunboats loaned to the U.S. by the King of Two Sicilies, & the U.S.S. Constitution under the Command of Commodore Edward Preble, to the Mediterranean. Unlike European nations Jefferson refused to allow the United States to pay tribute or ransom to the Tripoli pirates who were taking American citizens prisoner. Instead Jefferson sent the U.S. Navy to show defiance of their piracy & to successfully liberate American citizens from enslavement. (Artist's note.) [emphasis added]
As we honor our brave volunteers today is also a good day to honor the valor of the first Marines and Sailors involved in fighting the "Global War on Terror". They both share the fight against tyranny.
2 comments:
I appreciate the sentiment and the art. You are right ... the GWOT began a long time ago and the Islamacists haven't given up yet. I do not believe Obama's election will cause them to consider that option, either.
Agreed--if anything this will be seen as another surrender. Prez Jefferson probably decided we were better off in the long term by challenging the bully rather than handing over our lunch money, as did Bush.
We'll see what Obama does but frankly I'd bet a rent check he believes his gift of charming oratory can woo them just like he did with the electorate.
Post a Comment