veteran’s corner
Tom Krabbenhoft
This Monday, the 18th will be Patriots Day. There are several events surrounding it and we will be celebrating “The shot heard around the world” aka Lexington and Concord. The events have been canceled the last two years because of COVID.
Monday April 18th.
Where: Fargo Air Museum
When: 12pm
Who: All Freedom loving Americans
A special program has been put together for this event. Come and help celebrate American exceptionalism.
The Fargo Memorial honor guard will also be performing our Nation’s military rituals.
The keynote speaker will be Austen Shauer, ND state senator.
Later on that evening 7pm at the Fargo Theater there will be a free showing of the movie Revolution with Al Pacino and Donald Sutherland. It’s FREE, you can pick up tickets at the Fargo Theater.
After the movie there will be a panel discussion.
Those on the panel will be North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler, FM Legion Riders Director Tom Krabbenhoft, North Dakota State University History Professor and Revolutionary War Expert Don Johnson, and State Representative Austen Schauer of West Fargo. Schauer was the legislator who led the effort to make Patriot’s Day a state holiday. The master of ceremonies will be Fargo Forum columnist Jim Shaw, who worked hard behind the scenes to get the Legislature to approve the holiday.
Yes, that was my name on the panel and I’m very honored to be included in these events.
Thanks to Jim Shaw and his tireless efforts advocating for Patriots Day.
Why Patriots Day?
The Revolutionary War is an under-covered subject in our society. So many foundational building stones came from the conflict.
One needs to look no further than the Bill of Rights. They are the first ten amendments.
Looking at a couple the 3rd, this forbids soldiers from quartering in private homes. Under British law soldiers were allowed to take shelter, food and anything else they need.
The 4th bars unreasonable search and seizure. Under British rule your assets were the Kings assets. They could be taken with no compensation.
The 10th amendment. This gives the states tremendous power in governing themselves. This purposely made it more difficult for a single person to exert rule over the country.
True leaders came from the conflict that risked life, limb and luxury.
A wealthy founding father Patrick Henry proclaimed “Give me liberty, or give me death”! Can you see any politician making such a statement today?
A 21 year old Nathan Hale eloquently said “I regret I have only one life to give to my country” moments before he was hung by British soldiers.
This bravery and principles are hard to find in today’s world. The Revolutionary War is loaded with tales of bravery, self-sacrifice and personal risk.
Hope you can make it to one of these events.
I’m glad Patriots Day is here.
Questions, comments or anything veteran contact me at 11btwk@gmail.com.