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Where the Jobs Are...
"HELP WANTED: Workforce Development and the New Economy"
WHAT: Free public seminar hosted by Rep. Wilson
WHEN: 9am to 4pm Friday, August 10. Registration begins at 8:30am.
WHERE: Wyndham Hotel, 2910 Yale SE |
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| What two military events took place today 219 Years and 11 years ago? |
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Two hundred nineteen years ago General George Washington ordered the creation of a badge of military merit, now known as the purple heart. Eleven years ago today saw the beginning of the of the military build up in the Persian Gulf known as `Desert shield.`
IN THE LINE OF FIRE
General Washington would reward his troops with commissions and advances in rank for gallantry and valor. But in the summer of 1782, Washington was ordered by the continental Congress to stop that practice because they lacked the money to pay soldiers, let alone any officers. So General Washington had to find a new means to reward his troops. The following is an excerpt from his General Orders Of August 7, 1782.
"The General, ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers as well as foster and encourage every species of military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with due reward... The name and regiment of the persons so certified are to be enrolled in a Book of Merit which shall be kept in the orderly room... Men who have merited this distinction to be suffered to pass all guards and sentinels which officers are permitted to do... The order to be retroactive to the earliest stages of the war, and to be a permanent one... The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all."
On this date 208 years later another George gave another order. This order came only five days after Iraq invaded the country of Kuwait. President George Bush order Operation Desert Shield to begin. Desert Shield was a military Build up to bock any further advances by the Iraqis in to Kuwait.
If you are interested in learning more about the Purple heart visit
the Military Order of the Purple Heart Web site |
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