One of the very first of many examples of the uniquely American concept of “Never Say Die”, or “Never Quit” attitude occurred 23 September 1779, exactly 231 years ago today, when John Paul Jones’ Squadron of the fledging American Navy met a merchant convoy off the coast of England protected by the 50 gun British warship HMS Serapis.
Early into the three hour battle, Jones’ ship, the Bonhomme Richard, was getting the short end of the stick being outgunned by the Brits. Jones’ locked the Richard together with the Serapis and things still appeared dire for the Americans. British cannons firing at close range setting the wooden timbered hull of the Richard on fire. The Brits asked Jones to surrender and his reply, from the deck of the Richard into the history books, was “I have not yet begun to fight”.
Jones’ crew repelled a Brit attempt to board, and was able to throw a grenade into the lower deck of the Serapis causing a giant explosion and turning the tide of the battle allowing Jones’ crew to board the Serapis and cause the British Commander (Captain Pearson) to surrender. Good thing he did as the Richard soon sank afterwards.
The example of John Paul Jones and many other Americans since, known and unknown, bring us to today where the need to re-kindle the American spirit of not giving up and not giving in and solve the seemingly over whelming problems we have today with Government run amok; giant national debt which our grandchildren will inherit; an economy rapidly doing down hill and a population comprised of generations who have no idea what it is pay their dues and little knowledge of what our forefathers, from General Washington to General Eisenhower, did to ensure this Country’s greatness.
Today, say to yourself, “I have not yet begun to fight”,…..talk to your family and friends,…hell talk to strangers too!,…..talk about the direction this country is going and the obvious results unless we, the People, take charge and vote these buffoons out of office.
