Author: saedgar

This website is a collection of many subjects and thoughts that are important to me, and some insights I’ve learned “...along the way.” I think of myself as just a simple man with a testimony of Jesus Christ and His Restored Gospel. But, I have lived (and continue to live) an extraordinary and enjoyable life. I've tried to share some highlights here. I have so many good memories. (SAE)

“Brothers in Arms”

“Brothers in Arms”

Written and performed by Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)

Haunting music reminiscent of my Vietnam War combat tour in Southeast Asia.  However, the Vietnam War ended well before this song was released.  I understand it was written during the 1982 Falklands War.  The song “Brothers in Arms” deals with the senselessness of war.

The 1982 Falkland Islands War

The Falkland Islands (about 400 miles due East of the southern tip of Argentina, in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean) were under British rule since about 1840 when it became a Crown Colony of Great Britain.  Over the next century, there were numerous tensions, struggles, confrontation and even battles over the Falkland Islands, much of which where due to territorial claims by both Great Britain and Argentina.  However, the British managed to retain control.  Then, in 1965, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for both states (the UK and Argentina) to conduct bilateral negotiations to reach a peaceful settlement of the dispute.  From 1966 until 1968, the UK discussed with Argentina the transfer of the Falklands, assuming their final decision would be accepted by the local Falkland islanders.  An agreement on trade ties between the Falklands and the mainland was reached in 1971 and, consequently, Argentina built a temporary airfield on the islands in 1972.  Notwithstanding, Falkland islanders dissented, and tensions between the UK and Argentina limited sovereignty negotiations until 1977.  Sovereignty talks again ended by 1981, and over time, the dispute continued to escalate.

Then, on 2 April 1982, Argentine forces launched a military invasion of the Falklands to capture the Islands.  The Argentines mounted amphibious landings with their military forces and invaded the Falklands and other British territories in the South Atlantic.  This served as a catalyst for the subsequent Falklands War.  The Argentines briefly occupied these areas until a UK expeditionary force retook the territories in June 1982.  The invasion ended with the final surrender of the Falkland Government House.

The conflict lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine surrender 14 June, returning the islands to British control. In total, 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders killed during the hostilities.  After the war, the UK expanded its military presence, building an RAF Airfield and increasing the size of its garrison.

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“Don’t Let Go!”

“Don’t Let Go!”

Performed by “Gentri” (“The Gentlemen Trio”) includes Brad Robins, Casey Elliott and Bradley Quinn Lever.
Music composed by the group’s producer Stephen Nelson.
Please Note:  This song is beautiful.  The recording is moving and inspirational.  It’s definitely a favorite of mine.  In the lyrics, the message seem to focus on common and unfortunate challenges and trials in this life, but I also head reflections of the pure love of God the Father and His Son,  Jesus the Christ.  For example, listen for these phrases in the lyrics: “When my strength is wеak, I can feel you carry me;” “I can feel your hand in mine;” “You have been here by my side;” “Every plea you seem to hear;” “In the darkness left for blind, I can feel your hand in mine;”  and, “Your whisper heals my soul.”  Certainly, these are all Christ-Like Characteristics and Attributes.  Our God is truly our loving and caring Heavenly Father: Loving, Caring and Forgiving! 

Lyrics:
When the night is fast asleep
But my heart is well awake
All my thoughts they trouble me
And it’s more than I can take
More than I can hold, deep inside I know

When my strength is weak, I can feel you carry me
 In the darkness left for blind, I can feel your hand in mine
And your whisper heals my soul
Don’t let go
Don’t let go

You have been here by my side
Every plea you seem to hear
With new hope I come alive
And forget my fleeing fears
Forget the tainted noise, overshadowеd by your voice

When my strength is wеak, I can feel you carry me
In the darkness left for blind, I can feel your hand in mine
And your whisper heals my soul
Don’t let go
Don’t let go
Don’t let go
Don’t let go

When my strength is weak, I can feel you carry me
In the darkness left for blind, I can feel your hand in mine
And your whisper heals my soul
And I plead with all I know
Don’t let go
Don’t let go
Don’t let go

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