Happy New Year! This year, 2026, promises to be an interesting year.
This year is special to me. Fifty years ago I participated in an event that celebrated the 200th anniversary of the founding of our country. In the summer of 1976, I was in Officer Candidate School (Army Reserve/National guard) at Fort Benning, GA. It was much like going back to boot camp (yeah, for me that was Navy boot camp) only more intense.
The Grand Tattoo
One of the things we prepared for, though, was The Grand Tattoo. This was an event on the Fourth of July celebrating our country’s 200th birthday. As a candidate, this was my first time prepping in Class A uniform and wearing my ribbons from my service in the Navy and Vietnam. I was one of a handful of combat veterans in my OCS class, so the Tactical Officers (TACs, usually lieutenants with limited experience) grilled us on what each of our earned ribbons represented.
“What’s that, Candidate Pace?” the TAC asked loudly inches from my face pointing at one of the ribbons.
“Sir, Combat Action Ribbon, Sir!” I replied. His eyebrows rose.
“What’s that one, Candidate Pace?” he asked louder.
“Sir, Navy Unit Commendation, Sir!” I replied. The TAC only had the standard service ribbon, so far.
The Memory
The Grand Tattoo, though, was a memorable event. A once in a lifetime event. We marched through the huge parade grounds to military bands playing national anthem and patriotic music. We stood at attention–then parade rest, while generals gave short speeches. All this on July 4, 1976, the day after my birthday. These kinds of things just don’t leave your memory.
This year, there will be–as I understand it–a ball drop in Time Square on July 3. That will be much like the New Year’s Eve ball drop. This is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country. That is also my birthday. For me, that will be a very special event. I will reach another milestone in my life, as well as experience another special event in my country.
So, yes, I’m looking ahead to this year and the events it will hold. I hope you have similar blessings and things you can share with friends and loved ones, and can celebrate our country’s birthday.
Looking Forward
I know I’ve dropped the ball during 2025 on posting here. I did do some minor edits and re-shared certain posts, but that just hasn’t been my usual practice. It has been a strange year in some ways. I hope to do more and spend more time sharing here.
I just realized that I’ve been running this blog for some 13 years. My how the time has flown by. But going through the posts and topics, it seems that there is a pretty good wealth of information here. Enjoy!
Keep writing!
