Day of Remembrance and Mourning--The Fall of Constantinople and the Death of Constantine XI Palaiologos, Last Roman Emperor

Today is a Day of Mourning and Remembrance.  On this date, in 1453, the last Roman Emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, was killed by the Turks as they captured Constantinople, bringing an end to the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire.  I believe we are in a clash of civilizations, even and especially today.  This man, and his empire put up a brave and valiant and long struggle against the forces of Islam.  They deserve our respect for the way they shielded the West for centuries as it crawled out of the Dark Ages.

Here are the flags of the Empire that would never be flown again:

Rest in Peace.