November 24

The Mayflower Compact 1620

The famous painting of the Signing the Mayflower Compact 1620, a painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris 1899 represents so very much regarding this document. The Mayflower Compact lets us all know that our great Nation’s early beginnings were rooted in the Christian faith and we, even today should give thanks to God for His blessings to America.

Jean Leon Gerome’s 1899 painting
Stamp- Signing of the Compact

Modern version

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great BritainFrance, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. IN WITNESS whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape-Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of EnglandFrance, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Domini; 1620.[16]

Source: Wikipedia
The Mayflower Compact

Happy Thanksgiving All,

See you tomorrow,

November 24

Florida, The First Thanksgiving?  It Does Seem So….

Based on the former Congressman, Charles E. Bennett, the first actual Thanksgiving in America was when Rene Goulaine De Laudonniere, the French explorer set foot on Florida soil in 1564. Bennett, the author of many books on Florida including “Twelve on the River St. Johns”, “Fort Caroline and Its Leader”, “Florida’s “French” Revolution” and more makes note of the fact that over 50 years before the Pilgrims came to America, the French were here in 1562. Laudonniere, leading a second voyage, established Fort Caroline in Jacksonville, Florida thanking God and claiming Florida.  There is a marker on the grounds of Fort Caroline of a marker designating as the land where the first Protestant proclaimed God.

On September 21, 1950 Charles Bennett sponsored a bill to establish Fort Caroline in Jacksonville, Florida a National Monument to commemorate the establishment of their search for religious freedom.  His quote on that day was…

“The 425th anniversary of the beginning settlements by Europeans…renamed from Fort Caroline to San Mateo, to San Nicolas, to Cowford and finally to Jacksonville in 1822… “

According to History.com, the First “Thanksgiving” was September 8, 1865 when there were “Blaring trumpets and thundering artillery” serenading Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles arrival and claim of Florida thanking  “God and his country” in St. Augustine so there are those who claim that.  

Of course, we all know the story of the Pilgrims landing in 1620 having a meal with the Indians and a story of the First Thanksgiving.

Fort Caroline was founded by French Protestant Christians  who were called Huguenots.  They were seeking religious freedom.

Rene Laudonniere, French Protestant

Quotes from days gone by….

“What pleasure it would give us to find any indication of Charles’s Fort on the Carolina coast, where a French Protestant colony attempted a settlement, a full century before the English; or the stone pillar with the arms of France , erected, on that occasion, on the river of May.”  Abiel Homes, 1814

“…The Fort Caroline settlement set a new pattern for religious freedom in America – a pattern which was to be imitated until religious liberty and personal freedom become the great trademark for the United States.”  Charles E. Bennett, Laudonniere and Fort Caroline

On June 30, 1564, construction of a triangular-shaped fort…was begun with the help of a local tribe of Timucuan Indians… Home for this hardy group of Huguenots…their strong religious…motivations inspired them.” 

According to Bennett, The French Christian Huguenots in Florida set a day of Thanksgiving and offered the first Protestant prayer in North America on JUNE 30, 1564: “We sang a psalm of Thanksgiving unto God, beseeching Him that it would please Him to continue His accustomed goodness towards us.” 

Most importantly is being thankful to God for his bounty at whatever point you came.

See you tomorrow, 

Sources: History. com, NPS. gov, nationalparks. org, ribaultsong .com

November 11

2022 Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts:

Veterans Day Free Meals(This from Military.com)

To honor members of the military, these restaurants are offering veterans free meals on or around Veterans Day, November 11.

7-Eleven — Veterans get a free Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% all-beef hot dog on November 11. Available in-store and via delivery through the 7NOW app.

Another Broken Egg Cafe — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Patriot French Toast Combo & Coffee November 11. Available for dine-in only at participating cafes.

Applebee’s — Active-duty military, veterans, Reserves, and National Guard receive a free meal when dining in from a special menu on November 11. And when dining in on November 11, military guests will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week redemption window.

Aroma Joe’s — All veterans get a free 24oz. drink on November 11.

Au Bon Pain — Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast sandwich and small drip coffee on November 11. Must present military ID and mention offer at time of purchase. Valid in café at participating locations.

Bagger Dave’s — Active, non-active, reservists and retired personnel get a free Great American Cheeseburger and fries on November 11. Dine-in only.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s — Veterans eat free on November 11 at participating locations with the purchase of equal or greater value up to $12.

Biggby Coffee — Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free 16 oz beverage of choice on November 11.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse — On November 11, current and former military members receive a free meal from a select menu. Dine-in only.

Black Angus Steakhouse — Current and past members of the military get a free meal on November 11 at all locations from 12pm to 3pm. This deal is not available to-go.

Bob Evans — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only.

Bombshells Restaurant and Bar — All 12 locations in Texas will provide free entrees for veterans on November 11. Other items will be discounted 20%. In addition, families accompanying veterans as well as active service members and accompanying families will receive a 20% discount on entrees and other items on Veterans Day.

Calhoun’s — Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch from 10:45am to 4pm on November 11. Military ID required. 

Caribou Coffee — Veterans, active military members and their spouses receive a free hot brewed coffee on November 11.

Carolina Ale House — Veterans and military members get a free rib platter with the purchase of a drink on November 11.

Casey’s General Stores — Service members past and present receive a free cup of coffee on November 11.

Cattlemens — Active, non-active, and retired military personal get a complimentary sirloin steak dinner in honor of Veterans Day. Sign up on their website on or before November 11 to receive your steak certificate. The offer will be emailed on November 12 and is valid November 12 through 22 during regular business hours for outdoor dining or dine-in. The offer is not valid on takeout orders and is valid at California locations only.

Charleys Philly Steaks — Veterans and active-duty military get free Gourmet Fries in-store with no purchase necessary on November 11. In addition, Charleys’ locations on military bases are offering free gourmet fries with the purchase of a cheesesteak and drink for all customers.

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille — Veterans with a valid military ID get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.

Chicken Salad Chick — On November 11, veterans and active-duty military will receive a free meal at all locations.

Chili’s  Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.

Chuck E. Cheese — On November 11, active-duty military, National Guard and veterans get a free personal 1-topping pizza with valid military ID or proof of military service. Not available for delivery.

Cicis Pizza — Active and retired military personnel get a free adult buffet on November 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only and it does not include a drink.

Circle K — Veterans and active-duty service members get a free medium coffee all day November 11 at every location that serves coffee.

City Barbecue — Veterans and active-duty military get a free sandwich (excluding brisket), one side, and a drink on November 11.

Claim Jumper — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special menu at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.

Colton’s Steak House & Grill — Veterans and active-duty service members get a free entrée on November 11 until 4 pm from a select menu. Available for dine-in only. Offer not available in Kentucky locations.

Cotton Patch Cafe — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken Entrée with a valid military ID on November 11.

Country Kitchen — Active and retired military get a free Country Scramble on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.

Cracker Barrel  Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake in-store or online on November 11.

Crooked Pint Ale House — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal on November 11 at participating locations.

Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies — On November 11, active-duty military and veterans get a Free Solo 1-item Pizza and Regular Pop. Show proof of service and mention when you order for dine-in, takeout, or curbside.

Denny’s — On November 11, Denny’s offers a complimentary Grand Slam to all active, non-active and retired military personnel. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations from 5am to noon with a valid military ID or DD 214.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit — Veterans and active-duty military get a Free Pulled Pork Sandwich on November 11. Valid in-store, and online/app for carryout.

Duffy’s Sports Grill — Veterans get a free meal on November 11 from 11am to 4pm. Dine-in only.

Dunkin’ Donuts — Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut of their choice on November 11 at participating locations. Offer available in-store only. Not available for orders placed using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering through the Dunkin’ Mobile App.

Einstein Bros. Bagels — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11

El Chico — Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée on November 11 at participating locations. Limit $20. Proof of service required.

Emmet’s Social Table — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal up to $15 on November 11. Dine-in only.

Famous Dave’s — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and choice of side on November 11. When ordering online, use code ‘VETERAN’ to receive the discount. Must present valid proof of service at pickup. Not valid for Call-In Orders or Delivery.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — Dine with a veteran or active-duty service member on November 11 at participating locations and their meal is free. Dine-in only.

Food City — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from the Deli Hot Bar on November 11.

Fox & Hound — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal on November 11.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers — Veterans and active military personnel who visit on November 11 will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card that can be redeemed through November 30.

Gold Star Chili — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free regular 3-Way and regular drink on November 11. This offer is valid for dine-in, carry out or drive-thru.

Golden Corral — Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 14 from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

Grady’s BBQ — Veterans and active-duty military get a free one meat sandwich on November 11.

Green Mill Restaurant and Bar — Veterans and active-duty military get a free menu item at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.

Greene Turtle — Veterans get a free meal up to $13 value on November 11 with valid ID. Dine-in only.

GuacAmigos — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a special menu on November 11.

Hamburger Stand — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hamburger, regular fries and a small Pepsi on November 11 at participating locations.

Hard Rock Cafe — Veterans receive a free Legendary Burger all day long on November 11. Dine-in only.

Hawaiian Bros — Veterans and active-duty military, plus their friends and family, get a free plate lunch from 11am to 11pm on November 11.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar — Veterans and active-duty military get a free classic burger on November 11. Available for dine-in only.

Huddle House — Active-duty military members and veterans get a free MVP Breakfast Platter on November 11.

Hy-Vee — Veterans, military members and their families get a free fresh breakfast on November 11 between 6 and 10am. Plus, veterans and military members receive 15% off grocery purchases on November 11. Shop in-store or Hy-Vee Aisles Online and use promo code HOMEFRONT15 at checkout. 

IHOP — Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant — Veterans and active-duty service members receive a complimentary burger or sandwich along with a non-alcoholic beverage on November 11.

J. Christopher’s — On November 11, veterans get a free meal at participating locations with valid proof of service. Dine-in only.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice — All former and active military personnel receive a free small treat on November 11.

Kings Family Restaurant — Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.

Kolache Factory — Veterans and active-duty military get a free kolache and a cup of coffee on November 11 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Krispy Kreme — Veterans get a free coffee and doughnut on November 11 at participating locations.

Kwik Fill — Veterans receive a free coffee on November 11.

Lab Bakery & Coffee Bar — Active-duty service members and veterans get a free cup of coffee and a slice of vanilla pound cake on November 11 with a valid ID.

LaMar’s Donuts — Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut and 12 oz. coffee at participating locations on November 11.

Lion’s Choice — Active-duty and retired military members get a free original roast beef sandwich on November 11. While there, veterans can also take advantage of the standing 20% discount offered daily for veterans and active-duty military. 

Little Caesars — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Combo at participating stores on November 11, from 11am to 2pm. In-store only.

Logan’s Roadhouse — Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free meal between 3 and 6 p.m. from a special menu at participating locations on November 11.

There are more… Check out the Military . com site for the list.

See you tomorrow,

September 11

The Queen Visited Colonial Williamsburg

According to the Virginia Governor Glen Younkin’s order the flags were to be flown at half-staff over the state Capitol and other state and federal buildings until the date of Queen Elizabeth’s interment, WY Daily reported.

Queen Elizabeth II (Ramey)

The Queen had visited Virginia on two occasions dating back to 1957 with a royal visit to Jamestown and Williamsburg. 

  In 2007, Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip visited Colonial Williamsburg including William and Mary College, being a part of the commemoration of the 400 Anniversary of the relationship of Britain to America.

Queen Elizabeth died September 8th at the age of 96. She was the longest reigning monarch surpassing Queen Victoria.

Long Live the Queen’s memory.

See you tomorrow,

August 29

Birds Eye View of Jacksonville, Fl

On the wall in the Brandenburg Hall of Oak Lawn Cemetery off of San Jose Blvd, there is a massive and beautiful map of Jacksonville, Florida dated 1876.  If ever you can, you should drop by and take a look. It will cause you to want to take a photo. The same arial view of Jacksonville can be found in the Library of Congress. 

This map has the seal and number so I assume it is one of the authentic copies of the city, like the one donated to the Library of Congress by Alvord, Kellogg and Campbell dated 1840. This seal indicates 1876.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14

See you tomorrow,

Category: Government, Neighborhoods, Random Posts, Visit This | Comments Off on Birds Eye View of Jacksonville, Fl
August 25

Don’t Tread On Me Flags and Tags

The Honorable Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis was in Jacksonville, Florida to congratulate and encourage those who won conservative posts in the August elections.  He and Marco Rubio spoke at a rally at the Diamond D Ranch where hundreds came to celebrate the wins of those seeking true freedom.  

Press office of the Governor of Fl

Signs posted and held by guests all over the campus named both politicians, DeSantis, and Rubio, Keep Florida Free and one other said, “Don’t Tread on Florida” depicting an opened mouth gator.  The poster with an open mouthed gator which said, “Don’t Tread on Florida”, is a take on the coiled rattlesnake flag “Don’t Tread On Me” which dates back to the America Revolution in 1775.

After 3,000 are sold, these will be offered in the tag office

Florida was and has been a beacon of freedom with policies from the Governor’s office especially during the pandemic of 2020.  His policy outcomes turned out to be correct as documented by the numbers.

So, Don’t Tread On Florida,

See you tomorrow,

Category: Government | Comments Off on Don’t Tread On Me Flags and Tags
August 25

Little Cowboy Leads the Way

The Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida Rally held at the Diamond D Ranch began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag from a young cowboy.

Young cowboy in prayer before pledge

He lead the group in the pledge with hand over heart and hat on his chest:  I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. And the crowd went wild! God bless America. 8-24-22

See you tomorrow,