Senator Mastriano

Today we remember Rufus King — a Founding Father, diplomat, Revolutionary War veteran, signer of the U.S. Constitution, and one of the early architects of the American republic.

Born in 1755, King served our young nation during some of its most fragile years. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, a United States Senator, and later served as Minister to Great Britain. He strongly supported a stronger federal government at a time when the survival of the Union was uncertain, and he became known as a gifted statesman and defender of national unity.

Rufus King also took notable stands against the expansion of slavery into new western territories and argued that the institution contradicted the ideals of the Revolution. His opposition to the spread of slavery distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.

At the same time, like many early American leaders, his record was not without controversy or criticism. King was a committed Federalist who favored a strong central government and policies that critics argued empowered elites and commercial interests over ordinary citizens. His political positions often put him at odds with the growing democratic movements of the early republic. And while he opposed the expansion of slavery, he still operated within a system deeply shaped by compromise and inequality.

History is most valuable when we examine it honestly — recognizing both achievement and imperfection. Rufus King helped shape the foundations of the United States, yet like all historical figures, he reflected the strengths and limitations of his time.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, studying leaders like Rufus King reminds us that preserving liberty, constitutional government, and national unity has always required debate, sacrifice, and vigilance.

May 14th, 2026 - Ascension Day

Today we celebrate Ascension Day — the day Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven forty days after His resurrection.

Ascension Day is a powerful reminder of Christ’s victory over sin and death, His promise to return, and the hope we have through faith. As Scripture reminds us:

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus… will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” — Acts 1:11

May this holy day renew our faith, strengthen our hope, and remind us to walk boldly in truth, grace, and love. God bless you and your families.

On May 14, 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed from Camp Dubois near St. Louis to begin the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Commissioned by Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase, the Corps of Discovery set out to explore the vast unknown lands west of the Mississippi River, map routes to the Pacific Ocean, establish relations with Native American tribes, and gather scientific knowledge about the continent.

Over the next two years, the expedition would travel more than 8,000 miles through immense hardship, harsh weather, dangerous terrain, and uncharted wilderness. Along the way, they documented new plants and animals, opened the door to western exploration, and helped shape America’s understanding of its newly acquired frontier.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: 2016 in Riga, Latvia during Exercises Steadfast Pyramid and Steadfast Pinnacle. Pictured in the center is German General Lather, who was my commander during my assignment, with Allied Land Headquarters, Heidelberg, Germany. In the center, British General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe who requested that I be part of this exercise. I am standing in the front row, right. #ThrowbackThursday

On May 14, 1607, English settlers established Founding of Jamestown at Jamestown