In Book review No. 1 – a review of Ken McGoogan’s book on the amazing explorer John Rae’s discovery of the Northwest Passage (as well as the fate of the Franklin expedition) - I mentioned this book by the Marine and Senator from the great state of Virginia, James Webb. Senator Webb’s book came to mind again this evening as I was reading another book, which shall comprise my next book review (subsequent to the present one). That said, I felt it incumbent to give Senator’s Webb outstanding book it’s own place within this blog.
To put it simply, this book by Senator Webb is exquisite. It chronicles these individualistic, independent, stubborn/head-strong and often fearless people who emigrated from Scotland and Ireland and truly laid the foundation – the backbone as some might call it – of the United States, the greatest country the world has known. With a fighting spirit unlike any other, the Scots-Irish battled and overcame every obstacle placed before them. These are a people made up of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, Andrew Jackson, Stonewall Jackson, Douglas MacArthur, George Patton and Chesty Puller. The list could go on and on but no one can really follow Chesty Puller, so I was obliged to stop.
These are a people that have long fought (and died) for our great Nation and made up large portions of armed forces. These are a people who have made up numerous Presidents as well, from the era of our Founding Fathers to modern times. Their fierce spirit developed this Nation, comprised its heritage and formed its identity. Without these people, it is scarcely imaginable that our Country would have developed as it has. The “pilgrims” and colonists, the explorers, the determination and fortitude of the plains settlers and westward migrating/settling pioneers, those who were obligated to rid themselves of an oppressive (and harmful) government, forming their own government by creating the United States, who thereafter continued to fight for its continued existence and prosperity…from the American Revolution through modern-day warfare…all unimaginable without the Scots-Irish.
This is a proud, storied and vital heritage that has been presented in a most eloquent manner by Senator Webb and I am thankful he has provided it to us. Definitely pick up a copy of this book if you have not had the opportunity to do so thus far; I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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