FORWARD!

The 2nd Wisconsin at McPherson's Ridge, Gettysburg July 1, 1863

A good friend lives only a few hundred yards from where the mighty USS Wisconsin is berthed in Norfolk, VA.  Now a naval museum, "Whisky" was once a formidable active duty vessel in America's navy.  Built during WWII, this Iowa class behemoth could launch 2,000 pound 16 inch shells over 30 miles and her other armaments were impressive as well.  She was called back to duty during Korea and even as recently as Operation Desert Storm.  She's no longer on active duty but, as many of you may know, was the background this morning to Mitt Romney's introduction of his choice to share his presidential ticket.

I don't want to get into partisan issues in this blog, but Paul Ryan comes from a state with a rich history and which has played big role in keeping our Union strong.   The state motto of Wisconsin, ironically, is "Forward."  That single word also happens to be the campaign slogan of Mr. Romney's and Mr. Ryan's November opponents, Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden.

Wisconsin also is the birthplace of a couple of Civil War regiments which distinguished themselves on eastern battlefields.  Several, made up part of the famous Iron Brigade.  These tough midwestern fighters were famous for standing like solid iron in the face of withering fire.  They were also called the "black hats" because they wore the standard US Army "Hardee" hat rather than the more common "kepi" seen on most other Union troops.

They, more than any others on the first day's battle at Gettysburg, held off the press of a Confederate corps and allowed the Union time to clear the field and reestablish itself on the other side of town in a stronger, more easily defended position.  The black hats of Wisconsin were heroes on that day!