Long Live Fidel Castro!

Venezuela: Maduro Salutes Fidel Castro! (25.11.2025)

Our heart and mind turn to the giant of America, Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, whose work changed the history not only of Cuba but also of Latin America and the Caribbean. Fidel forged the era of new independence and revolution, demonstrating the strength and relevance that only great leaders possess. His light, along with that of Commander Chávez, is today guiding the struggles of the peoples of the world.

Fidel bequeathed us a fundamental concept: the ability to turn adversities into struggle and victory, and to transform victories into opportunities for progress. Despite countless campaigns of discredit and attempts to harm him physically and morally, his indomitable spirit prevailed.

Stephen Spencer West Co. I “the Granville Stars” 23rd NC Infantry CSA. He was born in Oxford, Granville County, North Carolina in 1837. He was killed in action during the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863

CSA: Remembering the [1863] Bravery of the 23rd North Carolina Infantry Regiment [and Other Carolina Men] – at Gettysburg! (27.3.2025)

Jefferson had to draw from a limited pool of men (compared to the North – which possessed an endless supply of recruits – as every newly arrived migrant was enrolled into the US Army) – Jefferson managed to assemble around 80,000 (aged 12-60) – gave every man a uniform, hat and pair of boots, and ensured all were armed and fed. The idea was to Punish the Lincoln Administration that had tried on numerous occasions to militarily invade and subjugate the South. It was General Lee who suggested to Jefferson Davis that an invasion into the North – and a decisive military victory near Washington – might force Lincoln to sue for peace. Lincoln, however, had other ideas, and refused any such compromise, stating that he strove for the utter destruction of the South.

"My father met Norman Bethune in Spain during his recovery from battle injuries. Influenced by him, my father aspired to come to China, where he met my mother and later had me," said Michael Crook, chairman of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives. His parents, David and Isabel Crook, played an important role in training a large number of foreign-language professionals for China. "The spirit of Bethune has not faded with time; instead, it has been widely inherited and carried forward in both China and Canada," said Hu Jinqiang, director of the North China Military Martyrs Cemetery. Hu noted that today Bethune is not just a name but a symbol of internationalism, humanism and selfless dedication. "We commemorate him to inspire more people to remember history and carry forward his spirit."

China: Passing of Canadian Surgeon – Norman Bethune [1890-1939] – Commemorated! (22.12.2024)

This year marks the 85th death anniversary of Bethune, who died of blood poisoning at the age of 49 on Nov. 12, 1939 in China while aiding the Chinese people in their fight against Japanese aggression. His remains were relocated to the cemetery in 1953.

The commemoration began at 10 a.m., with participants bowing before the surgeon’s tomb and presenting flower baskets.

“My father met Norman Bethune in Spain during his recovery from battle injuries. Influenced by him, my father aspired to come to China, where he met my mother and later had me,” said Michael Crook, chairman of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives.

His parents, David and Isabel Crook, played an important role in training a large number of foreign-language professionals for China.

“The spirit of Bethune has not faded with time; instead, it has been widely inherited and carried forward in both China and Canada,” said Hu Jinqiang, director of the North China Military Martyrs Cemetery.

CSA Navy Department

Confederate States of America [1861-1865] – Evolution of Flags! (24.11.2024)

Flags, or “Banners” – have been used for thousands of years – in one form or another, to distinguish one group of humans from another. Each such entity conveys “difference” of intent and identity. Each flag is designed to gather together those who “belong” – and “push-away” those who do not. Like the tribal body-markings of the Celts and Picts, each piece of material containing pictures and coloured sections serve as an identifier of “sameness” and a marker of “difference”. As the “Confederate” States of America (CSA) viewed itself as the “true” and “genuine” conveyor of the authentic 1776 “Revolution” – the flags chosen to represent this reality were similar to – but different from – the “Stars and Stripes” as carried by the “United States” of America (USA). There were many “unofficial” flags flown by the citizens and military of the Confederacy – due to the democratic (free) nature of its society and culture. These popular flags were flown alongside (and parallel to) the “official” flags designed and adopted by the government of the CSA. Indeed, these “local” flags lasted throughout the entire war and influenced all the official designs.

Imperial Japanese Army Troops Form-Up - Okinawa!

Book Review: Battle for Okinawa – By Colonel Yahara Hiromichi [八原博通]! (6.8.2024)

When these attacks failed – to prevent rape – Okinawan women and girls threw themselves off of cliffs – together with their young siblings and children. US Servicemen raped Okinawan civilians wherever they were found alive – whilst unarmed Okinawan civilians were shot on sight even in areas where all Imperial Japanese Army Units nolonger existed. This is why so many Okinawan civilians were killed – many even after capture or before they could attack again – according to the Americans. The Okinawans were NOT the passive victims trapped between two battling sides. The Okinawan civilians fought hard against the Americans – attempting to protect their ancestral lands and their ancestral shrines. This is a fascinating and highly important book that tells the story from the other side. The US Army possessed virtually no one who could speak Japanese – as all Japanese-Americans had been placed in Concentration Camps in remote areas of the US.

King Arthur May Well Have Been a Historical Personage!

Glastonbury Abbey – King Arthur’s Grave! (29.7.2024)

The Celtic Church (from Egypt) was probably in Britain from the 2nd century CE onwards – with it being destroyed by the incoming Roman Catholic Church by the 11th century CE. Its monastic nature encouraged not only cloistered monks who lived in draughty stone cells – but also Hermits who lived in natural caves or various other meditation cells. Celtic Christianity did not persecute – but encouraged and accommodated the Pagan beliefs of indigenous people. There was a mutual respect between both groups of believers and this explains why leaders like King Arthur would strive to protect the Church – and the Church to honour him in death. This type of Asiatic respect does not require a slavish attachment to belief to be functional. Freedom of belief equates to respect for difference. There are many theories dating King Arthur from the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries, etc, which include many geographical areas associated with his life and death. We favour Tintagel in Cornwall – a place we have visited many times. King Arthur was a wise man, a compassionate man, and a great warrior!

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