By Dr. Zoe Simmons
Besides Christmas, I would have to say that the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, not to mention it is my birthday.
I remember growing up and my father taking me to see fireworks, always telling me that they were just for me. That the world was celebrating my birthday.
With any day it is our responsibility as Americans to be grateful for our freedom, but I think this Fourth will impact us all. We as a nation tend to get so involved with the unimportant aspects of life, until reality once again knocks at our door. Millions of us watched as war was declared on Iraq, millions of us cried tears of joy and sorrow, and millions of us thank God for living here, in the United States of America.
I look back at my families life, to see how my family contributed to this country, a father who served in the Marines, a husband who served in the Army, brother-in-law who served in the Air Force, and a father-in-law who served in the Army, all who have said each and everyday, that if called by their country, they would proudly go and serve. I thank my family and all other families in the military that proudly serve this country with honor, pride, commitment, and love. It is because of you, that my inner child can still strongly hold the belief that the fireworks in the sky belong to me.
My children, Tiffany and Christopher are my companions when watching the evening news. Two children asking every question about the war. The morning that Saddam Hussein’s statue was taken down, I sent my children late to school. I wanted them to witness what freedom is for people who were not free. I wanted them to see how a country who once hated us, now loves us. I wanted them to see how we are all equal and can all work together for one common goal. I wanted them to be proud and grateful to live in this country. As young as they may be, I can see in their eyes the joy when they see our President and when they see the children of Iraq smiling, laughing, and just being themselves.
This wartime section we have dedicated to the heroes of our country, and the current ones who lost their lives in war. This section is also dedicated to our country and our flag.
This Fourth of July, remember everyone who gave you the right to barbecue, the right to celebrate, and remember to look at those fireworks and to know that you are FREE.
Thank you to all that have contributed to this section and all sections in this magazine.
God Bless America! God Bless everyone!
Happy Fourth of July.
Dr. Zoe Simmons
Editor
Wartime Section
Questions and Comments
Question by: James Bullington
Have we had any 5 star Generals since WWII and if not, why not?
Answer: With the death of General of the Army Omar N. Bradley in April of 1981, the five star ranks passed into American history. And it is that passing which seems to make a brief survey of the five star insignia of the General of the Army and the Admiral of the Fleet appropriate.
It was WWII, which precipitated the creation of this rank. The enormity of the war and the fact that several American commanders found themselves in the awkward position of commanding Allied officers of higher rank necessitated its creation.
The original title for the grade was to have been Field Marshal (after the British title), but the Army Chief of Staff, General George C. Marshall, refused to be known as Field Marshal Marshall.
Congress finally approved the rank in December of 1944, almost too late to achieve its purpose. Generals Marshall, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Arnold, and Admirals Leahy, King and Nimitz were named at that time.
Admiral Halsey was promoted to Fleet Admiral in December of 1945, and General Bradley to General of the Army in 1950, the last to be promoted to this rank. Thus a total of nine men in Americas history attained this elevated rank.
The only period at which the rank of five star general would be granted would be during the time of a world war.
U.S. Legacies July 2003
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