Independence Day: Don't Declare Victory Till the Job is Done

July 4th, 2022

The stirring words of the Declaration of Independence have inspired Americans for generation after generation.  It is well to remember that within six months, the British had captured Philadelphia, the new born country's capital and largest city.  It was a few short months until the remnants of Washington's army was huddled in the bleak winter of 1776-7 at Valley Forge.  The British had amassed victory after victory, the troops were freezing and starving in the cruel winter, and desertions were rampant.   So less than six months past the signing of the Declaration, the American cause was at its lowest, seemingly hopeless and outgunned.   

Washington. their General, having learned conventional war tactics with the help of such as Lafayette and von Steuben and his own experiences in unconventional tactics in the French and Indian wars, realized he had to translate the American's competitive advantages and his own inspiration into a win or two when all seemed lost.  The Americans' superior local knowledge and unconventional tactics are reminiscent of Ukraine's tactics in its current war defending its land and people from Russian aggression.  The daring counter attacks at Trenton and Princeton, Benedict Arnold's impossible victory at Saratoga (while under house arrest), and the French alliance, were still in the future.

Winning the Revolution required stirring words: yes, but also guts, leadership, diplomacy, and foreign help.  As we grill, watch fireworks, and celebrate, be grateful for the patriotism of  those who fought in that and subsequent wars including so many members of our own families. 

On this day, my thoughts keep returning to the patriots of Ukraine who with 

guts, leadership, diplomacy, and foreign help, have defended their land and people.  Their successes have surprised our intelligence community, vindicated Britain's training after Russia's land grabs of 2014, and inspired the world.  Unfortunately Putin's judgement that Ukraine's struggle will fade from the headlines has been too true.  

The war is not over until the job is done!

Our Lady appeared in Ukraine in 1914 and 1987 in Hurushiv.  Her first appearance was shortly before World War I started.  She appeared to 12 year old Marina Kirzin.  She continued to visit Hurushiv until August 15th, a date special to my heart.  The second time Mary visited Hurushiv was in 1987, this time to two young girls, similar in age to another member of my family.  As many as a half million people visited the sites of the apparitions.

The ailing John Paul II visited Ukraine in 2001 as pictured below.

On August 27, 2002, Olenka Kuruts was ten years old, and her friend, Mar’yanka Kobal, was nine years old, when Our Lady appeared to them.  Eventually the bishop Marhitych, visited the site.

Our Lady of Ukraine pray for these people and for America.