The Liberty Tribune
Our blog consists of vineyard happenings, winemaking insights, event highlights,
and selected quotes from Founders!
April Newsletter
Spring Wine Club Shipment: Patriots' Day!!
We are nearing our next PickUp Party and Wine Club Shipment!
Open House: Wine + Pairings + Gourmet Sliders
When: SATURDAY, April 27th, 11am-4pm
Where: 6875 Long Hill Place, Paso Robles, CA
What: Taste through the new releases + light food pairings + gourmet grilled sliders from 12-2pm
Who: Free! Please RSVP (or reply to this email)
Patriots' Day Club Shipment
Features the release of our 2018 Petite Sirah "James Armistead" and 2023 Sauvignon Blanc "Boston Tea Party". Signers level members enjoy a four-vintage flight of Declaration blends!
Not a member? Join here
| #Bottles (bold=new releases) | Stripes | Stars | Signers | Founders |
| 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (Boston Tea Party 250) | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 2018 Petite Sirah (Armistead) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 2018 Cabernet (Parker) | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2018 Declaration (Paine) | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 2017 Declaration (P. Henry) | 2 | |||
| 2016 Declaration (Jefferson) | 2 | |||
| 2015 Declaration (Franklin) | 1 | |||
| Total | 3 | 6 | 12 | 6 |
* Cards will be charged on ~April 20 *
PickUp: Available starting April 27 at the Party and by appointment after that (please email to schedule!).
Ship: If you chose shipping, wines will ship on April 29 (weather permitting). We ask our ship-to members to kindly double check your shipping address and credit card. (recall adult signature required - business addresses are best to ensure efficient delivery).
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The 2024 vintage is born!
- All varietals have started budding - Liberty Rainfall Chart |
Vineyard Projects
We have already put in the cover crop, sprayed, and pruned + tied. Currently we are trenching and installing pipe to tie the Petite Sirah and Zin into the automated irrigation system that controls the main vineyard. This will allow for more precise and efficient watering and fertigation, part of our sustainable farming program.
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About Patriots' Day
Patriots' Day commemorates the first armed conflict of the Revolutionary War, the Battles of Lexington and Concord [our 2022 Zinfandel] on April 19, 1775.
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The night before, Dr. Joseph Warren [2016 Petite Sirah] learned that the British would be marching from Boston to Lexington to arrest Samuel Adams [2019 Declaration blend] and John Hancock then on to Concord to seize American arms stored there. Warren dispatches Paul Revere [2014 Cab] and William Dawes, who famously read the two lanterns in the Old North Church and rode to alarm the countryside.
Adams and Hancock flee Lexington minutes before the Redcoats arrive. Local militia Captain John Parker’s [2018 Cab] assembles his company on Lexington Green and orders, "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." They did - the King’s Army kills eight Americans and marches off to Concord.
Other militia form at the North Bridge in Concord to confront the British soldiers - the Americans finally shoot back in "the shot heard ‘round the world.” Minutemen continue to pour in from surrounding towns, and the Patriots - including Parker’s remaining men - peppered the retreating Regulars all the way back to Boston. The ensuing Siege of Boston (which included the Battle of Bunker Hill [our 2022 Reserve Zin]) continued until Henry Knox [our 2022 Cab] miraculously transported artillery 300 miles from Fort Ticonderoga to the hills around Boston, pressuring the British to withdraw to Nova Scotia!
Thank you very much for your patronage - we hope you enjoy the wines - Huzzah!!
Nick and the Liberty Team
Apr 11, 2024 at 11:14 AM
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Boston Tea Party - 250th Anniversary
From Wikipedia:
The Boston Tea Party was an American political and mercantile protest on December 16, 1773, by the Sons of Liberty in Boston in colonial Massachusetts.[1] The target was the Tea Act of May 10, 1773, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea from China in American colonies without paying taxes apart from those imposed by the Townshend Acts. The Sons of Liberty strongly opposed the taxes in the Townshend Act as a violation of their rights. In response, the Sons of Liberty, some disguised as Native Americans, destroyed an entire shipment of tea sent by the East India Company.
The demonstrators boarded the ships and threw the chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. The British government considered the protest an act of treason and responded harshly.[2] The episode escalated into the American Revolution, becoming an iconic event of American history. Since then other political protests such as the Tea Party movement have referred to themselves as historical successors to the Boston protest of 1773.
The Tea Party was the culmination of a resistance movement throughout British America against the Tea Act, a tax passed by the British Parliament in 1773. Colonists objected to the Tea Act believing it violated their rights as Englishmen to "no taxation without representation", that is, to be taxed only by their own elected representatives and not by a parliament in which they were not represented. The well-connected East India Company also had been granted competitive advantages over colonial tea importers, who resented the move and feared additional infringement on their business.[3] Protesters had prevented the unloading of tea in three other colonies, but in Boston, embattled Royal Governor Thomas Hutchinson refused to allow the tea to be returned to Great Britain.
The Boston Tea Party was a significant event that helped accelerate and intensify colonial support for the American Revolution. Parliament responded in 1774 with the Intolerable Acts, or Coercive Acts, which, among other provisions, ended local self-government in Massachusetts and closed Boston's commerce. Colonists up and down the Thirteen Colonies in turn responded to the Intolerable Acts with additional acts of protest, and by convening the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, which petitioned the British monarch for repeal of the acts and coordinated colonial resistance to them. The crisis escalated, leading to the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, which marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
Dec 16, 2023 at 1:00 AM
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Wine Gifts
SHOP ALL WINES SHOP HOLIDAY SETS
Select from our curated 2- and 3-bottle sets or create your own gift bundles. Add a Paul Revere Ornament and/or Pulltaps® opener to customize your gift package.
Everyone: $5 flat-rate shipping on 2+ bottles ($10 for 1 bottle orders).
Members: Log In to get your full club discount.
Non-Members: 10% off all wines and merchandise (use promo code HOLIDAY10 ).
Checkout separately for each gift recipient. Log in or create an account to save the addresses for future gifting.
| Holiday Gift Set Previews | ||
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| Holiday Pairings Pack |
3 Varietals, 3 vintages, excellent pairings for your holiday meals and parties:
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| Nick's Picks |
Two 2016s at their prime:
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| Gift Cards |
$50, $100, and $250 cards available. |
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| Paul Revere ornament |
Paul Revere with Lantern. Handmade, finely detailed ornament. |
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| The Generals |
Holiday Vertical of three Cabernet Sauvignons:
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| 2023 Best Sellers |
Two most popular wines of 2023:
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More on LibertyCellars.com!
Join Wine Club for maximum discount
Wine shipments require adult signature
We ship to CA, CO, DC, FL, MA, MN, MO, MT, PA, TX, and VA. Cheers! Missing your state? Email us for options
Pickup at Ranch always free (by appointment)
Dec 13, 2023 at 7:50 AM
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Holiday Gifts for Wine & History Lovers!
SHOP ALL WINE SHOP HOLIDAY SETS
Select from our curated 2- and 3-bottle sets or create your own gift bundles, surefire options for the wine and history lovers on your list. Add a Paul Revere Ornament and/or Pulltaps® opener to customize your gift package.
All: $5 shipping on 2+ bottles ($10 for 1 bottle orders).
Members: Log In to get your full club discount.
Non-Members: Enjoy 10% off all wines and merchandise (use promo code HOLIDAY10 ).
Checkout separately for each gift recipient. Log in or create an account to save the addresses for future gifting.
Order by 12.17.23; while supplies last
Join Wine Club for maximum discount
Wine shipments require adult signature
We ship to CA, CO, DC, FL, MA, MN, MO, MT, PA, TX, and VA. Cheers! Missing a state? Email us for options
Pickup at Ranch always free (by appointment)
| Holiday Gift Set Previews | ||
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| The Generals |
Holiday Vertical of three Cabernet Sauvignons:
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| 2023 Best Sellers |
Two most popular wines of 2023:
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Dec 7, 2023 at 12:49 PM
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Cyber Monday CASE SALE
Stock up for your holiday festivities!
Buy Any 12+ Wines - Mix and Match - Flat Rate Ship $17.76
Non-Members: 20% off - at checkout use PROMO CODE CYBER23
Club Members: Additional 10% off (above your normal discount!) - login and use PROMO CODE CYBERM
Everyone: $17.76 Flat Rate Ship (per 12 bottles)*
Expires midnight Wednesday 11.29.23
*Shipments will go out Monday Dec 4th
Pickup at Ranch always free (by appointment)
Join Wine Club for maximum discount
Nov 27, 2023 at 12:00 PM
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September '23 Newlsetter
Embrace Autumn!!
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Next Wine Club is the November Veterans Day shipment. Save the Date! The Wine Club Pickup Party will be Saturday October 28th, 1-4pm. A celebration of Harvest and Halloween - For those who choose shipping, shipments are scheduled to go out Monday 11/6/23. FREE for Wine Club members; $20 for guests Not a member yet? Join / More info here. |
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Some craft inspiration (credt Pinterest and others)...    ...and our mini pumpkin patch is picking up steam.  |
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Harvest is Here We picked the Sauvignon Blanc on September 13th, almost a month later than last year. Additional blocks of SB came online this year, and we harvested ~2.5 tons. With the additional volume, we are planning two styles of SB for 2023 to expand upon the positive feedback from our 2022! The subsequent cool weather has slowed the ripening of our red varietals, but the fruit is looking great on all six: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Syrah. 2023 will be the first harvest for our 3 year-old Cab Franc and Malbec vines! For more pics, videos, and updates, please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and now X/Twitter. |
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The 2018 Syrah marks our first stand-alone Syrah and features Betsy Ross on the label. Tasting notes: Aromas of candied raspberry and strawberry, mint, white pepper, and vanilla wafer greet you on the nose. The palate has bright acidity to focus its direction, with flavors of fruit roll up, savory herbs, and mineral notes. This is an easy drinking wine that will do well with some bottle age. Good on its own and very versatile, consider pairing with rib eye, goat cheese, flavorful poultry dishes. We now ship to: CA, CO, DC, FL, MA, MO, MN, MT, PA, TX, and VA! Let us know if we can add your state. |
Featured Wine:
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| HISTORY | |
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Betsy Ross Born: 1/1/1752 in New Jersey Elizabeth 'Betsy' Ross (nee Griscom) was born on NYD, the 8th of 17 children. At age three, she moved with her family to Philadelphia and was soon taught to sew by her great aunt. She apprenticed with a local upholsterer where she met her first husband, John Ross. Because of their mixed faiths, they eloped. Upon return, she started her own business, which she successfully operated for over 50 years. John Ross was killed shortly after the Revolution broke out, while guarding munitions. Betsy persevered in the business, making patriot flags and uniforms from her shop near Independence Hall. She remarried in 1777 to Joseph Ashburn who was captured in the war and died in British captivity. Later she married John Claypoole who also pre-deceased her. She is credited with sewing the first flag of the new country and for convincing Washington to approve five-point stars (over his design for six-point) by demonstrating the ease of cutting five-points. More at https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/betsy-ross |
Skål !! (Scandanavian toast)
- Nick and the Liberty Team
Follow us on...
We now ship to: CA, CO, DC, FL, MA, MO, MN, MT, PA, TX, VA ... and growing!
Sep 26, 2023 at 1:27 PM
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August '23 Newsletter
Happy Summer from Liberty!!
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Crisp refreshment for hot summer days! Our 2022 Sauvignon Blanc has been the top seller this year. Only 74 cases were made. Tasting notes: Aromas of honeydew, wet grass, lemon, kiwi, satsuma, chalk dust, and key lime. Pretty green hue. Two ways to enjoy: At 40 degrees (fridge or on ice), crisp, bright lemon acidity, soft body, mouthwatering and thirst quenching at the same time. At 55 degrees, lusher flavors of pomelo, green apple, pear. Pairing ideas include arugula salads, mellow cheeses (hard and soft) such as Pecorino Romano, dried fruits, poultry, seafood, panzanella, Mediterranean. We now ship to: CA, CO, DC, FL, MA, MO, MN, MT, PA, TX, and VA! Let us know if we can add your state. |
Featured Wine:
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Next Wine Club is the Veterans Day shipment. Save the Date! The Wine Club Pickup Party will be Saturday October 28th, 1-4pm. A celebration of Harvest and Halloween - For those who choose shipping, shipment is scheduled to go out Monday 11/6/23. More details and RSVP to follow. Not a member yet? Join / More info here. |
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Some early inspiration...   |
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Veraison* We are pleased to report that the vineyard is in great shape going into harvest! The rains this year set up a healthy growing season this summer. Veraison is well underway in all varietals. We'll start taking measurements (brix, pH) on the Sauvignon Blanc next week. The last spray of the year is being completed today. Crop quality looks great, overall crop load looks to be normal to slightly below. Last year we harvested the Sauv Blanc on Aug 16th - recall the protracted heat wave that accelerated EVERYTHING. This year, more normal / intermittent heat is allowing some extended time on the vine. With a new block coming online, we hope to have a larger crop of SB, to expand upon the popular 2022 white wine! *Veraison is the change of color of grape berries from green to red and marks the transition from berry growth to ripening. (For white varietals like our Sauvignon Blanc, no color change but the berries become more translucent). |
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PATRICK HENRY Born: 5/29/1736 Patrick Henry is famous for his oratory skills, including his court victory in "Parson's Cause" in 1763, his opposition to the Stamp Act of 1765, and his legendary declaration "Give me liberty or give me death" at the 2nd Virginia Convention in 1775. He twice served as Governor of Virginia, from 1776-1779 and from 1784-1786. His plantation 'Scotchtown' in Hanover County, Virginia was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. |
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This month in American Revolution history...
08/07/1742 General Nathanael Greene is born in R.I. 08/27/1776 Battle of Long Island (NY) |
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In anticipation of harvest - Prost!!
- Nick and the Liberty Team
Follow us on...
We now ship to: CA, CO, DC, FL, MA, MO, MN, MT, PA, TX, VA ... and growing!
Aug 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM
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January 23 Newsletter
Happy New Year from Liberty!!
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Rain A Rama Record precipitation - 18.4" has fallen here since October 1, 2022! (we measure Oct 1st to Sept 30th to approximate rainfall from harvest to harvest) This is the most since Liberty began keeping track back in 2017 - in fact, 7.5" more than any prior year to date. If you're curious, we keep the chart updated on the website Vineyard > Rainfall. The adjacent Huer Huero River has flowed several days this month, the first strong run in our ten years here (closer to 20 years, per neighbors)! |
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Exciting news: The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is scheduled to be bottled on February 16th! Our first full production SB is tasting great - we look forward to adding this white wine to our offering. This vintage looks to be around 84 cases (750mL bottles) from four year old estate vines. We now ship to: CA, CO, DC, FL, MA, MO, MN, PA, TX, and VA! Let us know if your state not listed. |
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Next Wine Club shipment is scheduled for Monday 2/27/2023! This shipment is optional - opt in by sending us an email. NOTE: The February/Washington's Birthday shipment is now the optional one (originally the April/Patriots' Day shipment was the optional, but we've made the winemaking decision to leave the reds in barrel longer going forward and bottle them in April). Not a member yet? Join / More info here. |
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LIBERTY BELL
Sources: constitutioncenter.org and nsf.gov. |
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This month in American Revolution history...
01/01/1752 Betsy Ross is born in NJ. 01/04/1746 Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration of Independence (NC), is born. 01/12/1737 John Hancock, iconic signer of the Declaration of Independence (MA), is born. 01/14/1730 William Whipple, signer of the Declaration of Independence (NH), is born. 01/15/1716 Philip Livingston, signer of the Declaration of Independence (NY), is born. 01/17/1706 Benjamin Franklin, signer of BOTH the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution (PA), is born. 01/21/1738 Ethan Allen is born (VT). 01/23/1730 Joseph Hewes, signer of the Declaration of Independence (NC), is born. 01/31/1734 Robert Morris, signer of BOTH the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution (PA), is born. |
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01/02/1777 Second Battle of Trenton (NJ)
01/03/1777 Battle of Princeton (NJ) 01/17/1781 Battle of Cowpens (SC) |
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Best wishes for 2023 - Salud!!
- Nick and the Liberty Team
We now ship to: CA, CO, DC, FL, MA, MO, MN, PA, TX, and VA!
Jan 18, 2023 at 12:00 PM
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December Newsletter
Happy Holidays from Liberty!
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Liberty for the Holidays We'd be honored to be a part of your holiday+New Years celebrations and gift giving! Please place orders by SATURDAY DEC 17th to ensure shipment on Monday Dec 19 (our last shipping day of the year!). Reminder to login to get your member discount. Not a member? Use special holiday code HOLI2022 to get 17.76% off your wine purchases and shipping! We now ship to: CA, CO, DC, FL, MA, MO, MN, PA, TX, and VA! Let us know if your state not listed. |
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Our next club shipment will be around Washington's Birthday (Feb 22nd). Details to come! Not a member yet? Join Wine Club / More info here. |
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| HISTORY | |
WASHINGTON CROSSING THE DELAWARE - Christmas Night 1776 |
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Date: 12/25/1776 |
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Washington's Crossing "Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia.
Yet, as David Hackett Fischer recounts in this riveting history, George Washington—and many other Americans—refused to let the Revolution die. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken. In twelve weeks of winter fighting, their army suffered severe damage, their hold on New Jersey was broken, and their strategy was ruined. ... While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning." -- BarnesAndNoble.com |
Best wishes for the Holidays and 2023!!
- Nick and the Liberty Team
We now ship to: CA, CO, DC, FL, MA, MO, MN, PA, TX, and VA!
Dec 10, 2022 at 12:51 PM
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Veterans Day Thanks -- Wine Club Shipment & Pickup Party
Veterans Day: Salute and Thanks from Liberty!!
We are nearing our next wine Club Shipment and Club PickUp Party!
Not a wine club member? Join here.
The Shipment
This shipment features the 2015 and 2016 vintages - two Cabs and one Declaration (Cab + Petite Sirah blend).
| #Bottles | Stripes | Stars | Signers | Founders |
| 2015 Cab (Washington) | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 2016 Declaration (Jefferson) | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 2016 Cab (Greene) | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
* Cards will be charged on November 10 *
PickUp: Available starting Nov 12th at the Party and by appointment after that (please email for a time!).
Ship: If you chose shipping, wine will ship on November 14. We ask that our ship-to members kindly double check the shipping address. (recall adult signature required - business addresses are often best to ensure efficient delivery).
The Party
When: Saturday, November 12, 2-5pm (NOTE TIME CHANGE)
Where: 6875 Long Hill Place, Paso Robles, CA
What: Taste through the new releases accompanied by assorted pairings
Who: Free for club members; $20 for guests and non-members
How: If you haven't already, RSVP by November 7th
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The History
Veterans Day honors the service of all veterans of the Unites States Armed Forces and is observed as a federal holiday every year on November 11th. Originating from Armistice Day (aka Remembrance Day in other countries) which marked the end of hostilities in WWI on 'the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month', this federal holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to expand recognition to all who served in the U.S. military (and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable). Thus the heroes of the American Revolution are celebrated this day as well!
Note the distinction of Veterans Day from Memorial Day, which honors those who have died while in military service (May) and from Armed Forces Day, which honors those currently serving in the U.S. military (also in May).
Thank you very much for your patronage - we hope you enjoy these wines - Salute!!
Nick and the Liberty Team
Nov 4, 2022 at 10:00 AM
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