Senator Mastriano

May 29, 1787 - At the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia the Virginia Plan was proposed calling for a new government consisting of a legislature with two houses, an executive chosen by the legislature and a judicial branch.

May 29th – Patrick Henry Birthday

Patrick Henry, a towering figure of the American Revolution and arguably the colonies` most passionate orator, was born on May 29, 1736, at Studley Plantation in Hanover County, Virginia. Known for his "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech, he was a key figure in fighting British taxation and serving as Virginia`s first governor.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: During my time as a Professor at the U.S. Army War College, I lead officers from the Canadian Army`s Tactics School on a staff ride of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Through our study of leadership, decision-making, and combat operations, this battlefield remains one of the world`s premier classrooms for us as military professionals. #ThrowbackThursday

On May 28, 1918, the American Expeditionary Forces won their first major offensive victory of World War I at the Battle of Cantigny.

The U.S. Army`s 1st Division seized the village of Cantigny from German forces and successfully held it against repeated counterattacks. Though small compared to later battles, Cantigny proved that American troops could fight, win, and hold ground against a seasoned enemy.

The victory boosted Allied morale, demonstrated America`s growing military strength, and marked the beginning of a series of offensives that would help bring World War I to an end.

Today, we remember the courage, sacrifice, and determination of the Doughboys who fought at Cantigny and helped secure victory for freedom.

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of our nation`s founding, it`s worth reflecting on some of the lesser-known figures who helped shape the early Republic. One of them was John Lansing Jr. of New York.

Lansing played an important role during the Revolutionary era, serving in New York`s government and representing the state at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. A strong advocate for states` rights, he was deeply concerned that the proposed Constitution would create a federal government that was too powerful. In fact, he left the convention before it concluded and refused to sign the Constitution; an action that has been viewed both as principled and controversial.

On the positive side, Lansing demonstrated a steadfast commitment to his beliefs and the idea that government should remain accountable to the people through their states. His skepticism reflected concerns shared by many Americans of the era and helped fuel the debates that eventually led to the adoption of the Bill of Rights.

On the negative side, critics argue that his opposition to the Constitution placed him on the wrong side of a document that became the foundation of the United States. By leaving the convention early, he forfeited an opportunity to influence the final draft and help shape the compromises that secured the nation`s future.

Perhaps the greatest mystery surrounding Lansing is his disappearance in 1829. After leaving a hotel in New York City, he vanished without a trace and was never seen again, leaving behind one of early America`s enduring unsolved mysteries.

As we commemorate #America250, John Lansing Jr.`s story reminds us that the founding of the United States was not driven by unanimous agreement, but by vigorous debate among leaders who shared a common desire to secure liberty and self-government, even when they disagreed on how best to achieve it.

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in defense of our nation and our freedoms.

Their sacrifice secured the blessings of liberty for generations of Americans. We owe them, and the Gold Star families they left behind, a debt that can never truly be repaid.

As we gather with family and friends this weekend, may we never forget those who gave everything for our country.

May God bless our fallen heroes, their families, our veterans, and the United States of America.