2007 Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland

Checking my camera
Photograph by Bob Hendry


Doing a walkabout
Photograph by Bob Hendry


The clan's bard performs
Photograph by Bob hendry


Visiting with my clan
Photograph by Christian Garin


The big parade - - - Alas, I was late and missed it!
Photograph by Christian Garin


Youngsters enjoying the ceilidh


Tossing the caber


Rockville, Maryland High School Pipe Band


A pipe band performing


Highland dance competition


Zeke Maddox, Douglas Henderson, Laura Henderson, and Christian Garin


Rescued Greyhounds


An evening of fun, dancing at the ceilidh


The ceilidh band

Bob Hendry

Balmoral Highlanders from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Pat Maddox, Alan Winters, Bob Hendry, Christian Garin

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Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

Yesterday, I went to the annual Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland.

Unfortunately, I got lost enroute, so I arrived too late to participate in the opening ceremonies, with its grand march of the massed clans.

That was disappointing, for I had brought along my sword especially for marching with my clan.

I did bring my guitar, and spent considerable time playing and singing at the Clan Henderson pavilion.

I was pleasantly surprised to meet two (02) other Viet Nam war veterans.

Alan Winters is a fellow contributor of original compositions to the International War Veterans' Poetry Archives.

He filmed me performing, "THE CELTIC FESTIVAL", a song I wrote, and if he can, he plans to show that on the Internet.

Bob Hendry was in the Phu Lam Signal Battalion, a unit I also served in, and we both participated in Operation Lam Son 719, the invasion of Laos, and we both were at Dong Ha.

At one point, I put down my guitar and strolled throughout the festival to see what I could see.

Ah, but all of my senses were just totally overwhelmed by the enormity and variety of it all!

At the Clan Donald pavilion, which was right next to the Clan Henderson pavilion, I obtained free samples of haggis, something I'd never tasted.

Haggis is delicious!

At the Clan Davidson pavilion, I learned about the "Battle of the Clans", which took place in 1396, by order of the king.

I enjoyed petting the rescued greyhounds and briefly viewing some Highland dance competition.

There were so many things to see and do, all at one time and in widely separated venues, it was impossible to assimilate it all.

One strapping young laddie was walking about wearing a T-shirt brashly proclaiming, "THIS IS A KILT - - - IF I WORE ANYTHING UNDERNEATH, IT WOULD BE A SKIRT!"

Observing the caber tossing, some of the brawny lads were having difficulties, as they tried to pick up the log, but they couldn't balance it properly, and the pole toppled over behind them.

Highland games are NOT easy!

There were numerous living history presentations, reenacting different periods of Celtic development and influence.

After the festival ended, I stayed for the ceilidh that was being held in the barn.

There was a lovely exhibition of traditional sword dancing by a pair of sisters, Jessica and Kaitlyn Likas, billed as "THE WILD IRISH ROSES".

Later during the ceilidh, Jessica, with another girl, showed off some fabulous Irish step dancing, even imitating the exciting stage entry technique seen in the renowned "RIVERDANCE".

At the ceilidh, everyone is encouraged to contribute and participate, so numerous individuals, couples, and groups came up to enjoy dancing to exceptionally lively Irish jigs and Scottish reels.

The band was very talented and enthusiastic, playing the happy fast paced Celtic music loudly and long.

Even the children merrily got involved.

When the band took a break, I was allowed to perform the songs I had composed, "THE CELTIC FESTIVAL", "A SON OF SCOTLAND IS GONE", and "AU REVOIR".

It was a long day, and I eventually arrived back at the Soldiers' Home well after midnight.

Be sure to click on the pictures to see them in a larger format.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS

Official Bard of Clan Henderson

Armed Forces Retirement Home

Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Listening to G. Gordon Liddy

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

As I'm typing this e-mail, I'm listening to a broadcast of G. Gordon Liddy on my computer.

A few minutes ago, they played a tape of someone asking Mr. Liddy about his opinion on female astronauts.

Mr. Liddy responded that somebody has to clean the space station.

During a discussion on his program yesterday (or was it the day before?), Mr. Liddy even raised the possibility that we American people may need to resort to a violent revolt, since our political leaders are ignoring the wishes of the people regarding illegal immigration and the proposed North American Union.

G. Gordon Liddy is the first (and only?) news pundit I have heard actually use the term, "Revolt".

Right now, they're discussing the current scandal at NASCAR.

I never watch NASCAR races, but my main problem with NASCAR is that they have embraced "political correctness", and now refuse to display the Confederate flag.

That's particularly troubling, since NASCAR is pure Southern, and owes its beginnings to Smokey Mountain moonshiners evading federal agents in high speed chases over perilous mountain roads.

To me, it's sort of like watching a piece of American history carelessly tossed aside.

It's as if the novel, "NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR", by George Orwell, has actually come to pass.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

The Shot Heard 'Round The World

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

Tomorrow, 19 April, is a VERY important date in American history, one which we really should observe as a national holiday.

On that date, in 1775, seventy-seven men and boys stood facing the British Army, the most powerful military force in the entire world.

The British Army had come to seize the citizens' supply of guns, ammunition, and powder, leaving the local civilians defenseless, and the local militia unable to resist additional impositions of government tyranny.

To this day, no one knows who fired that first shot, or whether it was done by accident.

But, that was the renowned "shot heard 'round the world", which began the American Revolutionary War.

With the blood of tyrants and patriots, God was able to create the United States of America, an ensign of moral righteousness and individual liberty for all the world to envy and emulate.

Remember, folks, that fight was all about the issue of gun control.

Coincidentally, that was the same issue that began the war for Texas independence, when residents of Gonzalez showed the famous "COME AND TAKE IT!" banner, later resulting in the heroic actions at the Alamo, Goliad, and San Jacinto.

I just now saw a news headline, although I didn't read the story.

It said the Virginia Tech shootings had presidential candidates on the spot over the issue of gun control.

Hmmm - - - , they wouldn't be "on the spot" over that issue if they would adhere to the Constitution, something they solemnly swear to do.

Last night, I heard a television news pundit pontificating about the need for reasonable gun laws, saying authorities need to know who's armed, and the Second Amendment allows individual Americans to protect themselves from criminals.

However, that is VERY wrong!

There is only one purpose for the Second Amendment, the sole reason it was insisted upon before the new Constitution would be ratified by each of the thirteen States.

The Second Amendment exists so we, the people, can overthrow our own government in a bloody violent revolt.

Yes, the teachers and students at Virginia Tech should have been armed.

No, the students at Virgina Tech (or any other college) are NOT "kids".

Those so-called "kids" are old enough to serve in the Armed Forces and/or to get married and start their own families.

It is immoral for colleges to forbid faculty and students from being armed, thus leaving them helpless prey.

It is immoral and satanic for churches to forbid their members from being armed when attending services.

It is criminal tyranny for government agencies to forbid citizens from being armed when conducting business in public facilities.

When everyone is armed, we are free.

There is less violent crime, people are more courteous, and politicians are more honest.

Even our Lord, JESUS CHRIST, commanded us to be armed.

As recorded by Luke, it was His final commandment given at the Last Supper.

Let us do as our Lord has bade us.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Family Photos

Tyler Stephens and I


Carpet Patrol


The Stephens Family:
Louis, JJ, Tyler, and Ryan


Suzy and Tyler

Sue and Mike

Sue and I

Nicholas Ryan Stephens

Jam Session

Johnny and Suzy - - - all growed up!

Play Time

JJ holding Ryan

JJ holding Ryan and Suzy holding Tyler - - - Mama and Grammaw!

Charlie Serig

Kris with Autumn

Autumn Lilith Ramsburg

Mama, Grammaw, and the wee bairn.

Daria

Art, Kate, and Dar

Art and Kate

***** WARNING!!! *****

This dangerously illegal and immoral subversive underground resistance message is being surreptitiously monitored by the Beaming Internet Government Broadband Radio Oscillation Telecommunications Hearing Electronic Reconnaissance (i.e., B.I.G. B.R.O.T.H.E.R.) as part of a coordinated official clandestine domestic surveillance investigation, in cooperation with the National Administration of Zealous Interrogation (i.e., N.A.Z.I.) and the Commission On Message Monitoring Investigative Electronics (i.e., C.O.M.M.I.E.).

Serious felony criminal charges are pending, with extreme penalties yet to be determined!

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Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I spent this past weekend in North Carolina and Virginia visiting my sisters and their families, and here are the pictures I took.

The only reason I'm posting these in my blog is I can't figure out a better way to share the pictures, since e-mailing them as attachments would be tedious and unreliable.

Anyway, this whole thing is an experiment, to see what works and what doesn't.

If it doesn't work, I'll delete this post from my blog.

On the other hand, if my attempt is successful, you're seeing these pictures!

To make the pictures bigger, just click your mouse on each photograph.

Thank you.

War Crimes INMATE # 6-4305
United States Military Asylum
Washington, D.C. 20011-840

Radio Free Scotland

Clansmen:

As I'm typing this, I'm listening to a previously recorded broadcast of RADIO FREE SCOTLAND.

You can listen to it LIVE on Wednesdays and Fridays, at 2100 Hours (i.e., 9:00 P.M.) Scottish time.

Unfortunately, I don't know what time that is in America.

However, you can do as I do, which is listen to the recorded programs that are posted at the web site.

Radio Free Scotland exists to promote Scottish independence from English rule.

Scotland is scheduled to vote on this issue on 03 May 2007.

Slainte mhath, y'all!

Is Mise Le Meas,

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

National Tartan Day Photo

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

Here is a photograph of myself and a fellow resident of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Master Gunnery Sergeant John E. Smith, United States Marine Corps (Retired), in front of the Clan Henderson tent at today's National Tartan Day celebration in Alexandria, Virginia.

I went on a scheduled bus trip from the Soldiers' Home, to attend the National Tartan Day celebration in Alexandria, Virginia's Old Town, and it was a long, freezing, windy day.

National Tartan Day, which is observed in the United States, Canada, and Scotland, commemorates the signing of the "DECLARATION OF ARBROATH" on 06 April 1320, in which Scots refused to submit to English rule.

I had hauled along my guitar, just in case, but the performing stage was far too close, so it would have been impolite to take out my guitar and start singing.

Besides, with those cold temperatures, the strings would never stay in tune.

For some reason, lots of people wanted to take my picture.

At one point, a gust of wind blew the Clan Henderson tent over, and we had to really fight to get it back in place.

I really enjoyed watching the Scottish dancing, when I had the chance to see it.

Mostly, I was kept busy trying to hold down a corner of the tent, so it wouldn't blow over, and it was cold work.

Every once in a while, the sun would peek forth for just a minute or two, just long enough to cruelly tantalize us with some false hope.

Then, it was back to gray skies, frigid temperatures, and sudden gusty blows.

A number of participants remarked about the strangeness of the wintry weather at Easter, and even speculated about the foolishness or validity of possible effects from global warming.

At one point, I noticed Mike Henderson standing with his eyes closed, as he was holding onto his corner of the tent (because of the freezing gusts).

I thought he hadn't gotten enough sleep, so I inquired after his health.

Well, Mike's health was just fine, and he wasn't sleepy.

Up on the stage, the chaplain was leading everyone in prayer, and I couldn't hear a word he was saying!

So, I repented, and pretended to respectfully join in the public prayer, all the while watching around me, since I couldn't hear anything.

No, I hadn't gone deaf.

But the sound system wasn't working like it should.

Sometimes, there'd be amplified sound.

Other times, such as during the prayer, you couldn't hear a thing.

Mike Henderson had brought some shortbread cookies, and lots of folks, myself and Leon Hicks included, enjoyed the treat.

Another fellow wandered by and invited us to partake of his fresh homemade shortbread, which we did.

Mmmmm - - - gooood!!!

The tent next to ours was a Westie Rescue group, and they attracted lots of visitors who were encouraged to pet the friendly puppies.

Occasionally, visits by other dogs would result in some snapping and yelping, but no damage was ever done, and everyone just had a good time comparing the various breeds native to Scotland.

The bus driver from the Soldiers' Home had told us he would pick us up at 1545 Hours, so I started looking for him at around 1525 Hours.

However, I never saw the bus, and I knew something was seriously wrong when I didn't see any other residents from the Soldiers' Home.

Fortunately for me, Mike Henderson was generous enough to drive me back to the Soldiers' Home.

That was also an adventure, for neither of us knew how to get there by driving through downtown Washington, D.C. from Alexandria, Virginia.

How did the other residents from the Soldiers' Home make it back, and what happened to that bus?

Since I was the ONLY resident wearing a kilt and plaid, how could they have overlooked me?

I know one thing for sure and for certain - - - I ain't never going on no more scheduled bus trips from the Soldiers' Home!

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS

Official Bard of Clan Henderson

Armed Forces Retirement Home

Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."