North Carolina Monument

Sobering. One of every four that fell in grey was of NC
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US Christian Commission Chapel

Gettysburg
Chapel this morning with folk of the US Christian Commission Museum. A young fellow in Confederate "uniform" gave tribute to both sides playing the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Dixie on his harmonica (God Save the South would have been more appropriate than Dixie but would not have been recognizable). Over the pulpit is a sign reading "God is Love" and Federal bunting decorates the little tent chapel.
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Give them a descent Christian burial

Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg
The title came to me as I gazed at the newly dedicated image of this young woman in the Evergreen Cemetery that was so hotly contested on 3 July 1863. Less we forget. She holds her side below her swelling womb, a spade at her side and a pick at her feet
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Cemetery Hill

Gettysburg PA
This statue of Union General Otis Howard looks in the direction of Gettysburg below. On the evening of 3 July his unit held against a most determined attack by General Early with substantial casualties. The 2000 attacking Confederates took the hilltop but Union counterattack drove them off. I'll spend the rest of this day waking the ground, analyzing the terrain, and imagining the valor and stress of it all.
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Army Heritage Center

Carlisle Barracks
Fitting to locate this center with the war college and at our oldest post as colonial troops were stationed here first in about 1757. It is growing, but now it is predominantly holdings. I noticed they had the letters between Zetta's uncle, William Crawford, and George Washington and a few in that book from grandfather Valentine Crawford. They are surveying veterans from various era to help them define the past and our military leaders to prepare for the next battle
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Meeting Engagement

Carlisle Pennsylvania. Hannover Grill & Ale House
After a friendship formed five or so years ago two centurion meet together to make fast the bond of brotherhood: Fulvio of Rome and Mark of Kentucky. Fulvio's family was delightful! I pray we may all meet again during his stay and in Rome one day at Saxa Ruba. IHSV
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Valley Forge

Site of Washington's encampment beginning in the fall of 1777. The British have the comfort of Philadelphia. I search for Zetta's great grandfather. William Crawford. Eventually a Colonel and Washington's Wagonmaster. He is listed on the computer roster. Off to the War College
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Peter Toon Memorial

All Saints Church Wynnwood PA
Today friends and members of the prayer book society gathered here for a memorial service for Peter Toon who is now asleep in Christ. The service was pretty much 1928 BCP with a few minor Anglo Catholic additions. I enjoyed two favorite hymns: Just as I Am, and For All the Saints. Peter was President of the American Prayer Book Society for years. A scholar and Oxford PhD and an acquaintance through occasional emails. He was the champion of the Anglican Way and Reformed Cathlocism with three instruments of unity- the traditional prayer book, ordinal, and 39 Articles of Faith. Thank God for the life of Peter. Grant, Father, that we may pick up the torch and continue the tradition of orthodox Anglican worship.
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Tour de France Solo Racing

Green Turtle Bar--Carroll Creek
Versus Network featured Tour de France time trial type racing with bikes like I raced in triathlons. Shown above is a TV screen shot of a racer. I missed Lance Armstrong by seconds before releasing the shutter on BB. Called son Tyson who was in the know and follows this sport on Versus as he prepares for his next Ironman in Louisville on 30 August. Team bike racing to follow...

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In the Still of the Night

Carroll Creek Promenade beneath the Mural Bridge under Carroll Street

I was delighted to find this quartet using the natural echo chamber effect under the bridge to sing harmony. They had all the voice ranges including the bassman with his rhythmic beat. I heard The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Under the Boardwalk, Don't Know Much About History, So in Love, and finally Goodnight Sweetheart; and with that this is Wolfman Mark saying: Goodnight Sweetheart, it is time for a beer!
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Art at Starbucks

While enjoying a cup of coffee at Starbucks just down from Fort Detrick I noticed one of the employees working on a sign with various chalk sticks. The result is a true piece of art published here with the permission of its creator Chris Gebrosky
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KICKBALL

Frederick Adult Coed Kickball Association FACKA
Almost every evening this summer I had seen the young folks in local bars with different colored tee shirts with the FACKA 09 on it. There were special prices in the Ale houses for them when they wore their shirts. Tonight I found them and the meaning of their name
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Firefighters Memorial

FEMA HQ Emmitsburg MD
There are bronze plaques in the memorial listing the name of every firefighter who fell sine this was commissioned since the Ragan era. There is one special plaque for September 11 showing the Twin Towers. I used to enjoy viewing those Towers on the Ferry between NYC and the old Army fort. Gone but never forgotten
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Monument for Firefighters

"Three firem$en raised a flag at ground zero in silent tribute to those brave firefighters who answered the call. This noble flag is raised permanently in honor of those heroes and all who serve this great nation.
May God continue to bless America"
Sculptor John Watts
Anonymous donor
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Sistine Madonna

Copy - Raphael 1513 : Beautiful
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Basilica of Elizabeth Ann Seton

A beautiful sanctuary
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Seton Shrine

St Joseph Valley Emmitsburg
Elizabeth Ann Seton. Born two years before the end of the revolution in a wealthy Anglican family, married and five children, after the death of her husband she converted and moved to Baltimore and started the first free catholic school. She then came to this valley where she started an order of nuns the Sisters of Charity. Bishop John Carroll gave her the title "Mother" which is often used by those who speak of her. She died in 1821. During the War between the States this area was a Union Supply depot. The Sisters were the first to arrive at Gettysburg to aid the wounded
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Crucifixion

It is here written this prayer.

"Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, true contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment; while I contemplate with great love and tender pity thy five wounds, pondering over them within me, and calling to mind the words which David, thy prophet, said of thee, my good Jesus:
"They have pierced my hands and my feet; they have numbered all my bones"
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Grotto of Lourdes

Mt St Mary, Cocatin Mountains Maryland
Mountain named in about 1740s. Later site of a catholic church in 1805. Later where Elizabeth Ann Setton, who was named a saint of the Roman church, worshiped. This was in about 1873 made the first US Grotto of Lourdes. Shown here is one of the stations along the path of Jesus with a Roman guard. This grotto is about 20 miles north of Frederick. Loaded up my yashica with a roll of 200 ASA and my wide angle macro in search of some good shots
Laus Deo

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Inner Harbor

A lovely day with a cool breeze. I remember my first visit here in about 1986 when I had a very good international distance Bud Light triathlon that ended in the Harbor.
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Charles Carroll Patriot - Kinsman

Charles Carroll was a patriot. The only person under the Church of Rome to sign the Declaration; the only to give his address. The biggest contributor to the cause of freedom. The wealthiest of all signers. His grandfather? had planted the Carroll crest in this land after loosing all fighting for King James II (Catholic leaning) against the forces of William of Orange (Reformed Protestant) in Ireland (perhaps why my father and 2nd great grandfather were named "James") his cousin John was the first bishop under Rome of the US. Daddy told me that our kin had come out of Maryland and the family tree in the old family Bible showed Charles. I trace our nearest forefather of those days, Carey Carroll, to being born in nearby New Jersey just after the end of the Revolution in about 1786 and his son James coming to the Ohio territory adjacent to Kentucky on the Ohio River.

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Carroll Mansion

This was the home of Charles Carroll in his last years. This is not "Carrollton" as he gave his address on the Declaration of Independence, but was most certainly part of what was Carrolton. Carroll wrote that when he settled in these parts it was a small village of seven cottages.
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Star Spangled Banner

Baltimore 1813. Claggett's Brewery. It was not until 1933 that Congress adopted the Defense of Fort McHenry aka Star Spangled Banner as our National Anthem. Anthem carries religious connotations and well it might. It is part of my Hymnal. I wonder if that included the last stanza where Key wrote, "And this be out motto:-- "In God is our trust!"? Probably. I wonder if it would be accepted today, given that it is in our species? I doubt it

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Strangers in Subway

Baltimore
This is a lot different than Beattyville. Subway was full of queer folk in outrageous apparel. I suspect it was some sort of a young folk Harry Potter fan club. I understand his new movie is out. It seems to me that there is a certain type that gets into this sort of thing and their costumes are not the only things abnormal. Overhearing their conversation convinces me that they would have a hard time fitting in back home.
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Monument Battle of North Point

18 Sept 1814 in the 39th year of our Independence. Four days before, 13-14, Fort McHenry withstood the naval bombardment and Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner
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Cathedral Baltimore

Sightseeing today in Baltimore and began with the first Cathedral in America. One thing that impressed. Me was that the windows were clear. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century. It is built like the one in Rome with the altar beneath a dome
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Ordination

Curtis Bradley and Mark Carroll, Ordination, Feast of the Holy Innocents 2004 Chapel of the Centurion, Fort Monroe, Virginia

Pictured above with me at my ordination is the Right Reverend Curtis Bradley at the historic Chapel of the Centurion in Fort Monroe, Virginia. The Chapel was completed in 1854, and is my "home church" where I was baptized and ordained, my wife and I had our marriage blessed in an Episcopal Church service, and my family members were baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Congregation. Curtis and I are fellow centurions and co-workers for Christ in the international non-denominational Christian fellowship, the Order of Centurions. The Apostolic Succession is valid through Old Catholic and Orthodox lines.
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Family & Friends

Lexington Kentucky
We had a rendezvous in our hometown of Lexington this weekend. We celebrated 38 years of marriage and our grandson's and son in laws birthdays. Zetta is show here with the kids.
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Military Autobiographical Sketch

Lieutenant Colonel Mark S. Carroll retired from active duty after 24 years of service in the Army Medical Service Corps. His previous military assignments included Chief Operations Officer, TRICARE Mid-Atlantic Region; Comptroller, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Executive Officer, Joint Task Bravo Hospital, Honduras; Operations Officer, U.S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia; Chief Training Officer and Instructor, Armed Forces Combat Casualty Care Course, San Antonio, Texas; Chief Operations Officer, 30th Medical Group, Germany ; Commander, Hospital Company, Raymond W. Bliss Army Hospital, Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Medical Platoon Leader and Air Operations Officer, 2/502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Colonel Carroll's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (7th), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2nd), the Army Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal (2nd). He also earned the Air Assault Badge, the Expert Field Medical Badge, the Expert Marksmanship Badge, and the Physical Fitness Badge. He is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Colonel Carroll is a native of Kentucky and was born in Lexington. He attended the University of Kentucky and was commissioned in 1972 through the UK ROTC Wildcat Battalion where he was a member of the UK Ranger Company. After entering the Army, he continued his education and was awarded masters degrees from the University of Northern Colorado in Public Administration; and Syracuse University in Business Administration and was graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College.
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St Thomas Church

Beattyville
This church was built by my wife's grandfather. He settled in this area after his discharge from the Union Army. It is one of the finest examples of English Country Gothic that I've seen
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Farm Truck V8

Main Street Beattyville.
After church on Sunday we emerged to find this beauty parked outside. The tags were for a Kentucky Farm Truck and with the two five-gallon fuel cans, and the pioneer tools (shovel mounted on the other side) that is just what this truck was designed to be. The V8 probably gave it the ability to haul quite a load. There is a panel on each side that reads 4,000 GROSS.
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Quilt on a Barn

Today I decided to take the back roads and travel through the Daniel Boone National Forest -- on very narrow roads. Along the way I noted several barns and outbuildings with beautiful paintings like the hand quilted work that is so famous in these parts. When I got to the Red River Gorge I noted this quilt pattern on an old barn and captured it.
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Cabin at Gladie

Red River Gorge
The old community of Gladie is now a historical preserve and history and geological center. They have preserved this old cabin that is similar to that which my grandparents were raised in not too far from here
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Quilt on a Barn

Today I decided to take the back roads and travel through the Daniel Boone National Forest -- on very narrow roads. Along the way I noted several barns and outbuildings with beautiful paintings like the hand quilted work that is so famous in these parts. When I got to the Red River Gorge I noted this quilt pattern on an old barn and captured it.
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Entler Hotel

Shepherdstown WV
A quaint and historic town features this old hotel built in 1769. I visited the old cemetery outside of the old Anglican Church looking for one of Zetta's great grandmothers. There were a few Revolutionary soldiers whose graves had been marked with bronze plaques, but most stones were unreadable and many graves were unmarked at present

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Historic Boonsboro MD

Founded by two of Zetta's cousins. They were first cousins of Daniel who was at this time in Kentucky. Originally this settlement was called something else but then adopted the same name as the fort along the Kentucky River with a different spelling
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Entler Hotel

Shepherdstown WV
A quaint and historic town features this old hotel built in 1769. I visited the old cemetery outside of the old Anglican Church looking for one of Zetta's great grandmothers. There were a few Revolutionary soldiers whose graves had been marked with bronze plaques, but most stones were unreadable and many graves were unmarked at present

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Bloody Lane

Sharpsburg MD
One of several monuments along this Sunken Road on the Battlefield along Antietam Creek. They are all Union. To the victor belong the spoils. Gallantry was evidenced on both sides as well as virtue in fighting for what they held and understood to be right. Overall Generalship must be credited to the South by any serious student of military history. The War Department used lessons learned here in the aftermath and up until the present to train the new generations of leaders in strategy and tactics. One who holds that things are not mere chance, but rather are subject to Providence, cannot but wonder how this Battle's outcome supported our common weal.
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Fireworks

Baker Park
A finale to a great day. Much appreciated by all here, and this great experiment called democracy American style is another year older and somewhat different than it began
"[Independence Day] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more."[John Adams]

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4th Celebration

Baker Park
Lots of folk in the Park for an all day celebration that will culminate with the fireworks. The chili cookoff was great followed by concerts which I enjoyed in the Marine League Beer Tent area. Lots of recruiters on the Park Grounds today, but I think this unit rules
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Frederick Nightlife

One of the things I really appreciate is the entertainment in Frederick. There are probably 15 bars with restaurants in a three-block span on Market near the center of town. Tonight I'll dine on Cordon Blue at the Old Towne Pub and enjoy a few draft beers. Even better, this sector is only a 20-minute stroll from my humble abode. There are about another 15 such establishments elsewhere downtown. Nice.
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Float for the Fourth

There are 13 floats in the Creek that one can vote for with a dollar placed in the bucket with the flat number. Interesting way to raise money for a charity. This one is for Habitat for Humanity and it got my vote. Some of this might end up back home where these folk do a lot of good
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Independence Eve

Carroll Creek Promenade is full of people, music, and festivities as folk begin to celebrate our nation's birthday. I read the other day that the USA is the only country to truly have a birth date. God bless America
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Stone Arch Bridge

Carroll Promenade
I have been trying for some time to get a good clean day shot of this arch when the water is clean and calm. No luck yet, but this night shot isn't bad. My BB flash was on and I think it helped to fill from the backlighting.

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