Patriots Day & the USS Constitution

Last Sunday was Patriots Day, a day to commemorate the anniversary of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. Patriotism is something that we would like to blog about here at Short Run Pro, although possibly from a slightly different angle. True patriotism is what has infused America, its people and the things we make with the highest quality craftsmanship in the world. We believe that if you love something you will invest your best into it. That is what a patriot does for his country.

As an example of the affects of patriotism on craftsmanship we submit the USS Constitution. This Warship was built and put into service by the United States in 1797 with the Naval Armament Act signed by George Washington. It was listed among six frigates commissioned in the act as the initial step toward a U.S. Navy. The USS Constitution went to work quickly and won all her engagements in the both the Quasi War and the Barbary War. But her most formidable test was to come in 1812 when President James Madison declared war on then Super Naval Power – England. During that war, the USS Constitution, fewer than 3 different captains, defeated five English warships.

It was during the battle with the HMS Guerriere that our warship received her nickname, Old Ironsides. During this engagement it was reported that the British saw their cannon fire bounce off the Constitution’s hull leaving little or no damage. It was thought by the enemy sailors that the boat was constructed with iron sides and hence the nickname. The condition of the two ships may have supported the enemy’s conclusions as the Guerriere was left a smoldering; dismasted hull while the Constitution was intact and sailing. The sides may not have had iron in them but they had a lot of patriotism!

The success of the USS Constitution no doubt surprised the British naval commanders, and it surely came as a bit of a surprised to many U.S. naval commanders as well. But it is far less likely to have surprised the men in the Boston shipyard where Old Ironsides was built. If we go back to that patriotism being connected to workmanship thing you should know that the USS Constitution was built with so much patriotism that she could have floated above the waves if necessary. In a time when being free from tyranny meant something, when that freedom was threatened in what was called the Second War of Independence, the men who built the USS Constitution invested their patriotism in a ship that would defend and uphold their freedom. They built a warship that would not be defeated.

Now at the ripe age of 214 years, Old Ironsides is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world. That is long lasting, quality workmanship. That is made in the USA craftsmanship. We at Short Run Pro believe that the same patriotic craftsmanship that built the USS Constitution and keeps her afloat for over 200 years is alive and well in the hearts of the American worker today. Let the patriot in you be seen today.

For more information on Patriots Day -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriots'_Day

For more information on the USS Constitution -

http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/

For more information on Short Run Pro –

http://www.shortrunpro.com

Independence is Work

The word independence brings up visions of the stars and stripes waving majestically in the wind, of brave men and women risking their lives on foreign soil to preserve freedom for others and visionary leaders standing against powerful rulers in pursuit of happiness that only comes when one is free and a nation independent.

There are other illustrations of independence that do not come to mind as readily but still reflect the sense and the virtue of the word independence. In light of these other illustrations I would like to both thank and celebrate the American worker.

The workforce of the United States has been responsible for some of the most extraordinary accomplishments in man’s history. The imagination and diligent application of independence active in American workers has contributed to the betterment of life for populations all over the world. Consider the revolutionizing of mass production assembly lines that put out the Ford Model T at a price affordable for the “workingman”. Think about the awe inspiring increase in production during war time 1940’s when the USA increased Gross Domestic Product each year and produced more than all axis countries combined. Our great workforce has shown again and again the ability to both hunker down and rise to the occasion.

We have not stopped being independent and we will not stop working. Some may think that the workforce of the U.S. has taken the back seat to workers in other countries. The evidence contradicts this thinking. As continued advancements are made in all areas affecting the way people live, the independent spirit of the American worker continues to lead the way. We introduced the world to duct tape, made the air conditioner safe, affordable and portable, with NASA we accomplished the Space Shuttle system and continued to the successful development of the Mars Rover. The American workforce has been the power behind countless advancement and we will likely be in the lead of bringing the next great breakthroughs realized by man.
In my line of work I often have the opportunity to walk fabrication and metal machining production floors where I truly see the greatness of our country and the independence it nurtures displayed. It can be seen in the faces of the welders with blackened shirts that carry the residue of their trade. It is captured in the hands of the machinists who thoroughly inspect the finished part for imperfection before sending it down the production line. The actions of managers with rolled up sleeves getting in elbow deep on a project to assist in its completion show the character of every virtuous moment in our nation’s history.

There are countless other illustrations in the American workforce that shine with brilliant light on a grateful people that love the land in which they live. While celebrating our independence on the upcoming 4th of July, the 236th celebrated in this great nation of the United States of America, let’s remember to think of the American worker along with all the other heroic figures brought to memory. The building and sustaining of our great nation and its freedom is written indelibly in the words “Made in the USA”.