Preparedness Notes for Friday — May 30, 2025

May 30th was America’s original Memorial Day. By proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, the first major Memorial Day observance was held on May 30th, 1868 to honor those who died “in defense of their country” Known to some as “Decoration Day,” mourners honored the Civil War dead by decorating their graves with flowers. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery. — And on …




Using Military Principles to Improve Civilian Radio Comms – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 1.) Emergency Communications The Emergency level (the “E” of the PACE acronym) methods of communications are used exclusively during recovery or for link up in the field where no electronic means are possible or desirable. The injured may need to use a whistle as their only means to call for help. Linking up in the field is a very dangerous situation that carries the threat of ambush with it, or even casualties from friendly fire. How the Emergency PACE level methods are used to signal using a code or a procedure only known to friendly participants must …




Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, we look at the demise of the U.S. penny. (See the commodities section.) Precious Metals: The spot prices of gold and silver have been strong for nearly a week. If we see a sustained rally in silver above $36 per Troy ounce, I suspect that the Perma-Short market manipulators may capitulate. And once that happens, …




The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“When writing your will, I suggest that you show some studied regard for what you leave in the hands of your progeny.  You should name each of your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews with specific tangible bequests. Merely writing a Dollar sum signifies nothing.  Do not leave them toys and trifles.  Instead, leave them tools and rifles.  Specifically name for each inheritor a quantity of silver, a couple of guns, a knife, several quality hand tools, and a stack of good books — to educate and to edify. A proper bequest becomes a quest for a righteous and meaningful life.” …